The document outlines the need for an employee intranet at Cochran to address issues like lack of communication, unclear expectations and goals, difficulties onboarding new employees and establishing a unified company culture. It proposes an intranet solution with features like a searchable database of policies and forms, a company blog, calendar and goals dashboard. A phased approach is suggested starting with basic features and expanding to include training modules, CRM integration and a document management system. Potential pitfalls around buy-in, usability and maintenance are also discussed.
2. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Defining the Need
Searching & Guessing
There was an email about that but I can’t seem to find it.
Which one of these forms is the right one?
Now where would he keep the drawing files?
They say we need to be xyz certified, who would know if
we are?
3. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Defining the Need
Lack of Communication
What’s happening with the rest of the company?
Things change that effect me and I’m always the last to know.
Really, they’re gone. I wonder what happened.
Did you hear about xyz? I heard it was because of ABC.
I’m not sure what I can and can’t share.
4. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Defining the Need
No One Understands our Common Goals
Does what I’m doing even matter?
Where are we headed?
Is everything ok? I’m not sure how things are going.
I work hard, I’d love a little recognition.
5. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Defining the Need
We Don’t Support New Hires Well
How do they want me to do my job?
What tools are available to help me do my job?
Who do I ask when I have questions about X?
How does my job effect others in the company?
6. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Defining the Need
The “Cochran Way” is Unclear
I can’t find anything like it so I’ll just make up something new.
Everyone seems siloed and like their own little companies.
No two people are doing the same thing in the same way.
Is there something I can get behind personally?
Even when I’m told how to do something, I don’t really have
to do it.
7. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Defining the Need
Internal Expectations are Unclear
What can I expect of others in their roles?
What do others expect of me in my role?
What do I do if someone isn’t being responsive or
impacting my ability to do my job well?
8. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
The Solution
Quit Searching and Guessing
• Easily find the latest versions of policies, procedures, forms, tools &
checklists
• Quick reference company org chart with roles, responsibilities, &
contact information
• Standardized electronic file management
• Complete records of company & employee certifications
• Safety statistics
• External links for other useful applications
• Easy access to benefit information
• CRM Integration
9. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
The Solution
Start Communicating
• Regularly updated blog with wins, local news, employee
announcements.
• Company calendar with events & paid holidays.
• Automatic notifications when policies, procedures, and/or forms change.
• Director and C-Level visible input, participation in blog or other forum for
communication.
10. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
The Solution
Connect Around Common Goals
• Published goals with regular updates.
• Announcement of wins on blog that also triggers email.
• Visual representations of goals.
• Clearly define what can and can’t be shared for the management team.
11. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
The Solution
Onboard New Employees Well
• Define a process that each new hire must complete.
• Create curriculum per job title.
• Automate the requirements, so it is easy to follow and complete.
• Tie curriculum to policies, procedures, forms, and tools.
• Provide contact information specific to each subject for questions.
12. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
The Solution
Establish & Reinforce the Cochran Way
• Develop on-going training curriculum for existing
employees
• Provide training on Cochran’s history and core
competencies.
• Tie training and process adherence into
performance reviews.
• Make the easiest way to do the job through the
tools that are provided.
13. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
The Solution
Set Expectations & Measure Performance
• Clearly define what is expected of each employee by job title
and publish for the entire company to see.
• Create and publish internal service level agreements for
each position.
• Tie service level agreements and job title expectations to
performance reviews.
14. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Proposed Features
Basic Functionality – Phase I
• Existing & High-Priority New Policies, Procedures & Forms
• Cochran Overview Training Module & LMS integration for future training
path development
• Blog
• Events Calendar
• Safety Information
• Goals Overview for the Dashboard
• Links to External Tools
• Cochran Mission/Values, History and Core Competencies
• Robust Search Functionality
15. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Proposed Features
Elevated Usage – Phase II
• Integrated Forms
– Timecards, Expense & Reimbursements, Cell Phone & Fuel Charges, Others
• Ongoing Policy, Procedure and Form Development
• Develop Training Modules with Deeper Content, Structured Paths for
employees to follow.
– Project Lifecycle, Field Management, Safety, Prefabrication, Customer Service, HR for PM & Above
• CRM Integration
• Project Document Management System Built and Ready for Testing
16. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Proposed Features
System Wide Integration – Phase III
• Project Document Management Roll-out
– Policy & Process for Use Defined
– Archival Guidelines & Processes
• Project Executive Direct Interface
• Vendor Management Portal Built & Ready for Testing
External Integration – Phase IV
• Vendor Management Portal Roll-Out
17. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Potential Pitfalls
Lack of Manager Buy-in
• Ensure manager support for the policies and procedures that are put in
place through engagement on the front end.
• Managers must be held accountable for pushing usage through their
groups.
Lack of Employee Buy-In
• System must create value for employees.
• Usage of the system must be tied to something measureable and
consequential.
• The system must be easy to use and navigate
• System must be fast and easy to access
18. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Potential Pitfalls
Too Complicated, Hard to Use
• Careful consideration of what features we need in the long run.
• Simple and straight forward interface design.
• Integrating as many of our disparate systems as possible so people
have less programs to learn.
• Carefully considered/developed training and support
Too Slow, Can’t Access from Remote Offices Easily
• Seattle’s up/down speed has been exponentially increased as of May.
• Detailed look at other office’s speeds is highly advised to get best
performance possible.
19. Big Ideas, Proven Execution
Potential Pitfalls
Maintenance Requirements
• Roles & responsibilities for various pieces of the system must be
defined early and made an integral part of the designated
employees’ job descriptions.
• Training and clear expectations of upkeep must be given and
measured.
• There is likely to be an administrative component to some parts of
the system that would likely be taken over by Kurt Brown after
implementation is finalized.
Editor's Notes
The need to add additional tools like a Learning Management System, Vendor Management System, or Document Management System that are not intrinsically part of the system could create a more complex system than we would like.