0 to 4 points: We need to talk


That’s worrying, but there are plenty of practical steps that can move the needle on issues like these. Crafting a clear and compelling strategic narrative can act as a flag for everyone to rally round. While the facts and figures in the narrative must be right, presenting it in a storytelling format will help it land better. Similarly, using visual tools to map your customer experience can help both customer-facing and back-room people see how to resolve problems - and where there are opportunities. With the right resources these things are relatively straightforward, but getting the best results depends on insight and imagination.

5 to 8 points: Nice’n’steady does it


Great! You’ve got a platform to build on, and room to grow. However, have you considered the classic ‘tip of the iceberg’ scenario, where only a few people in the company ever get to contribute to innovation? Or does every employee have a voice on the challenges that affect them - as well as the bottom line? Companies hire people for good reasons, yet in so many cases employees get overlooked as a source of diverse perspectives and potential solutions. Liberating that potential can make a big difference to business outcomes.

9 to 12 points: High five!


Have you got any vacancies? Seriously, it sounds like your business is a fully integrated ecosystem with all its interdependent parts seamlessly connecting. But there’s no room for complacency. One of the main characteristics of a successful ecosystem is that every part (in this case, every employee) knows where they are within that system, and how their decisions and actions affect others. Building systemic capability throughout the business won’t guarantee success, but it sure helps. And it will contribute to the well-documented ‘IKEA effect’, which proves that people value something more if they’ve had a hand in building it.