Morning Prayers

While our portfolio companies are working at maximizing returns, nCompass is looking at getting the most of the programs and processes we implement. Having different companies working in different industries it is often difficult to apply a process that all the portfolio companies can effectively implement. I started going through 8 storage boxes of files, notes and articles that I have been collecting for the last 10 odd years trying to find the ideal ‘process’ to inject into our portfolio companies and realize the greatest return. I was struggling when my 2 ½ year old daughter shed light on the whole exercise when she asked me, “daddy, what are you going to do today?” It hit me right then and there; morning prayers. As an Air Force Officer, every morning, first things first; morning prayers. All the officers would stand in a circle in the middle of the hangar surrounded by fighter jets and each would take a few minutes to say “this is what I’m doing, this is why, these are the issues”. Everyone knew what was going on, everyone knew what had to be done; no excuses, just action and accountability. That was the first process we implemented at all three portfolio companies and the impact has been substantial. The “I sent an email” culture still exists but ‘morning prayers’ are really starting to drive the day to day business. Everyone knows the key is communication, morning prayers ensure that communication flows and actions are taken.