Nature as a model

The F.E.E.® method is very versatile. It is used in production and operations, in service companies and in public administration (see box). The F.E.E.® method is used in around 400 companies, institutions and businesses in Switzerland. It is a universal tool for the management of all business transactions. Paul N. Burch, CEO of FEE-Consult AG in Oberengstringen, highlights the key to success: "Strengthening strengths is our goal." For almost 20 years.

Major challenges

But how does it come about that the F.E.E.® method is even considered? How does a company or organization come to leave the path of the usual way of management and to look for, evaluate and implement a completely new management and organizational system? At the beginning of considerations in this regard, there are often challenges that set the course. A look at the practice shows it.

"I was confronted with a wave of retirements and had to try to secure the extensive and widely scattered know-how," reports Jürg Bühlmann, commander of the Winterthur professional fire brigade, who took over his force about ten years ago. "In addition, our organization was in need of a fitness cure."

René and Thomas Röösli from Röösli Deckenbau in Rothenburg faced a similar problem: "We had to implement a succession plan. Our father wanted to retire and it was important to retain his knowledge in the company." Meinrad Röösli had started the business in 1973 with just one employee. What began simply grew organically more and more. According to the company's homepage, Meinrad Röösli is still working as a "noble joker", but, says Thomas Röösli, it is important to be prepared for the future.

Together with partners from FEEConsult AG, these challenges were tackled and carried through as a project. "The most important task at the beginning of a project with the F.E.E.® method is to motivate a team and to precisely determine all the requirements for the processes ", explains Paul N. Burch. The role of coach and consultant is played by the FEEConsult AG consultant, who is involved from the first day to the last.

A building block of nature

Behind the F.E.E.® method is ultimately a very simple idea. The fractal. A building block of nature. But let's start from the beginning:

It all started with a general malaise in management consulting. At the beginning of the 1990s, the topic of certification was a big fashion trend. At that time, many company leaders thought that they could simply prove the quality of their management by being able to meet norms and standards, i.e. by having filled in forms cleanly and without any gaps. That was it. The certificate was hung up at the company entrance in the welcome area. The faith in standards cost time, generated frustration and wasted a lot of money. The processes were hardly changed. Nothing was won.

This is exactly what led to the birth of the F.E.E.® method. Paul N. Burch explains its secret: "The basic building block of the method is borrowed from nature. It is the fractal. The expression - so named by mathematicians - means that every larger structure is based on a simple basic structure.

Basic patternFractal

pattern, that is, built up and repeated several times. For example, a tree consists of a large number of branches, which differ in size, angle and position. The construction principle, however, always remains the same. Companies and organizations are successful when they have an optimal structure and processes. That is why the F.E.E.® method represents all processes in the form of fractals."

The F.E.E.® method is thus a meaningful combination of human thinking and the blueprint of nature. It is holistic and includes consulting, implementation and support. And the customers also win the ISO certification at the same time, as the icing on the cake, so to speak. Particularly positively perceived is the integrated continuous process of improvement of the processes in quality management and the fact that the management can concentrate on the essential, the strategic.

A success story

To date, the F.E.E.® method has been implemented and actively used in over 400 companies and organizations throughout Switzerland. 25 partner personalities are involved in projects and training. They are actively networked with each other, maintain a lively exchange of experience and help each other out. This partnership model is therefore a great success. It ensures the constant adaptation of the method and alignment to the changing conditions in companies and organisations.

A well-implemented project promises great success: "I was really amazed to see how quickly it worked and how quickly we were able to record successes," reports Thomas Röösli about the course of the project. "With the F.E.E.® method, our company works as if on ball bearings. There are fewer misunderstandings." If someone drops out, a replacement can take over the task immediately.

For Jürg Bühlmann from the Winterthur professional fire brigade, the effort was also worthwhile. "Since then, we have had instructions and checklists and everything is running smoothly," reports Bühlmann. Andrea Tribelhorn, one of Bühlmann's employees, has experience from other fire departments and says: "Everything is better organized here. You can feel that on the first day." Which also has an effect on the working atmosphere. "Here, everyone helps everyone as best they can. I can also make suggestions for improvement and they are taken on board.

Initially, there was a certain amount of scepticism at KVA Turgi. "Peter Ender, the director, explains: "The question was whether this was not simply another new system that produces a lot of paper, is of no use to anyone and means a lot of work for everyone. But the scepticism quickly disappeared. Today, everyone is living the system. Peter Eggenberger, partner at FEEConsult AG, also confirms: "We succeeded in quickly winning over all the employees of the Turgi waste incineration plant to the idea.

Broad benefit

The advantages of the F.E.E.® method are manifold. On the one hand, the quality of all results is improved by the fact that the processes follow a methodical logic. An increase in effectiveness and efficiency is the result. Fewer misunderstandings arise

ProfessionalNetwork

and repeat work. The economic results are improved. An integrated system ensures that processes are constantly screened for improvement potential. Job satisfaction increases, there is the opportunity to concentrate on strategic directions, as the extent and dedication to everyday administrative work is reduced.

Quality management also ensures that risks and threats to the operability of the organization are reduced. Periodic audits ensure that the operation still meets the requirements. System maintenance is manageable and simple. The knowledge of the employees is secured and at the same time made independent. If someone drops out, the task can be taken over immediately. Anyone new to the company can quickly find their way around the material thanks to these manuals. ISO certification is possible at any time, but not an end in itself.

Competent and experienced

Each partner of FEE-Consult AG has a background as an executive with extensive experience. FEE partners come from a wide variety of industries and so the team is in a position to have an adequate solution to every problem of the clientele. Erfa-groups have been formed in order to guarantee a comprehensive exchange of knowledge and skills. Each of the partners is an independent entrepreneur. The partners have a comprehensive consulting mandate. They familiarize themselves with the company, implement the necessary instructions and manuals with the help of a special software (WinFee), which is based on a commercial IT foundation, in order to work out all business processes according to the new method.

What are they aiming for? What does Paul N. Burch, man of the first hour, say? "We've only just begun the growth strategy! "