Quadrant Three · Process · Procedures · Policies
The Systems Quadrant
By RISE Business Framework · Created by Gary Harper and Brandon McCurdy · Reviewed
Systems is the third quadrant of the RISE Business Framework. It turns an inspired business into a streamlined machine through documented processes, procedures and policies, a meeting rhythm, a mapped business pipeline, and Stoplight Reports that track the numbers every team member owns.
Systems is where a business stops depending on heroics. Work gets documented, numbers get tracked weekly, and meetings exist to solve problems rather than report on them.
RISE builds Systems through four topics: Effective Meetings, Business Pipeline, Stoplight Reports and Process Execution. Some businesses should stay in this quadrant; others are ready to move into Engagement.
“Our inspirational business is now ready to turn into a streamlined machine. We focus on documenting processes, creating procedures and instituting policies. We focus on the right systems and the right process.”The RISE Business Lifecycle
The 4 topics of Systems
Topic 1
Effective Meetings
Effective meetings are scheduled, structured meetings where problems get solved, tasks get assigned and progress gets measured.
Culture Meetings · Strategic Meetings · Organizational Meetings · Tactical Meetings
Topic 2
Business Pipeline
A business pipeline is the full path work and money travel through your business, from customer acquisition to referral.
Pipeline · SIPOC · Cycle Time · Cash Conversion Cycle
Topic 3
Stoplight Reports
A stoplight report is a scorecard that shows key numbers against their targets at a glance.
Key Purpose Indicators · Key Profit Indicators · Key Performance Indicators · Key Process Indicators
Topic 4
Process Execution
Process execution is how consistently your business carries out its work the same way every time.
Process Mapping · Procedure Guides · Policy Timelines · Productivity Studies
How Systems is scored
The RISE Business Assessment rates these four statements from 1 (not yet) to 3 (dialed in), for a Systems score out of 12. RISE uses 10 or more in Resources, Inspiration and Systems as the bar for moving into Engagement.
- S1We have documented processes, procedures and policies that are easily accessible to our team members.
- S2We have key numbers that each team member knows and tracks on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
- S3We have organized weekly meetings where problems are solved, tasks are assigned, and progress is measured.
- S4We have a clear understanding of our business pipeline from customer acquisition to referral.
AI RISE Coach
Work on Systems with the AI RISE Coach
“Walk me through the Systems quadrant of RISE and tell me where my business should start.”
Systems is led by Susan Harper, one of the creators of the RISE Business Framework.
Frequently asked questions
What does the S in RISE stand for?
Systems: the processes, procedures and policies that make a business predictable. It is the third RISE quadrant.
What is the difference between a process, a procedure and a policy?
A process is what happens, from start to finish. A procedure is how one part of it is done, step by step. A policy is the rule that governs it.
Does every business need to move past Systems?
No. RISE says some businesses should stay in the Systems quadrant. Engagement is for businesses ready to invest profits in brand, succession and automation.
Find out where your business really stands.
The free RISE Assessment scores your business across all four quadrants in about 6 minutes, and shows you where the opportunity is.
