Competitive Edge Performance Solutions is THE advisory company you turn to when you want your team performing at its optimal best. Whether it’s improving leadership and teamwork, enhancing quality and customer satisfaction, improving process efficiency and effectiveness, or increasing cost savings, revenue and profits, we have the solutions you need.
Competitive Edge Performance Solutions
Rick and I partnered to conduct an excellence assessment of a municipal utilities department. His exceptional knowledge of leadership, management systems, and utilities – and collaborative work style and attitude – made our project a success and delivered great value to the client. I’d work with Rick again, anytime, anywhere.
Rick has provided excellent leadership and continuous improvement training for Charleston Water System for over several years. Through his unique, collaborative method of training, students learn critical thinking skills from his instruction, as well as, one another in experiential team-building exercises. Rick’s innovative, systems-thinking approach has added considerable value to our company and the growth of our associates.
Rick is a very knowledgeable, passionate and skilled Quality and Continuous improvement practitioner. He has great ability to observe your processes and apply the relevant tools. He is a passionate teacher in the classroom with the desire to transfer his knowledge to someone else. He has done nothing but exceptional work for the SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership with the mission to serve companies and their desire to be competitive in their market place!
Services
Leadership Development
There is nothing more important or impactful for a company than having strong, effective leadership. High-level leadership can transform a company from low performing to best-in-class and most competitive in their industry. Additional effort is needed on developing frontline leaders, as they translate strategy to the front line. We specialize in developing and training leaders to build these critical cultures.
Measurement, Analysis, Performance Management
Measuring results is a critical discipline in every business. We focus intensely on helping your team identify what to measure, how to measure, how to analyze, what your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are, how to set targets, and how to compare results.
Management Systems
We specialize in management systems that make companies more efficient, effective, competitive, and sustainable. We are experts in ISO International Standards (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 & 55001), the Baldrige Excellence Framework (Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence), Asset Management, and the Effective Utility Management (EUM) model.
Team Building
Every company needs a self-motivated, engaged workforce. We help you develop your teams and train your leaders to succeed using several models proven to improve team leadership, participation, and success.
Recent Posts
What Is Innovation?
It is critical that organizations place innovation at the top of their priorities. The best new products and services typically... read more →
July 25, 2019
Guide to GAP Analysis
We are midway through the year. Have you hit your mid-year target? What business strategies worked and what didn't? If... read more →
July 19, 2019
Traits of Excellent Leaders
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the... read more →
July 12, 2019
How to Become a Better Team Player
Becoming a better team member or team leader is within your grasp! As long as you’re interested in improving, we... read more →
July 5, 2019
Competitive Edge Specialties
At Competitive Edge Performance Solutions, we specialize in helping organizations improve in Business, Management, Systems, Strategy, Competition and Excellence. Our... read more →
June 27, 2019
Utilizing Design Thinking to Gain the Competitive Edge
Design Thinking might be the perfect solution for your business and you may never have heard of the model! When... read more →
June 21, 2019
How to Gain the Competitive Edge
Continuous improvement is vital for an organization hoping to stay ahead of the competition. Whether a startup or global corporation,... read more →
June 14, 2019
Commitment to Excellence
“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field... read more →
June 7, 2019
Develop More Strategic Thinking
At Competitive Edge Performance Solutions, we specialize in Strategic Thinking. We build high-level, structured thinking into your strategy that results... read more →
May 31, 2019
Competitive Edge Values
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.Winston Churchill CEO and founder... read more →
May 24, 2019
Communication in the Workplace
Good communication is a vital part of a healthy work environment. Different employees will have different methods of communication and... read more →
May 17, 2019
![Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework [Infographic]](https://competitiveedgeperformance.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Baldrige-600x400.png)
Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework [Infographic]
The Baldrige Performance Excellence Program is an integrated approach to organizational performance management. Organizations that have received the Award have... read more →
May 10, 2019
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
It's important for an organization to know what their Key Performance Indicators, also called KPIs, are. KPIs are quantifiable measurements... read more →
May 3, 2019
Lean Six Sigma Belt Levels
Lean Six Sigma consists of levels of knowledge, experience and achievement in the form of Martial Arts ‘belts’ (White, Yellow,... read more →
April 26, 2019
Continuous Leadership Development
Leadership training is not a one time occurrence. For corporations to thrive, leadership development should occur regularly. There is nothing... read more →
April 19, 2019
Effective Utility Management: Developed by Utilities for Utilities
Effective Utility Management (EUM) is a water utility management program, developed by utilities for utilities. The EUM model contributes to... read more →
April 11, 2019
Innovation Management for Organizations
How has your business innovated lately? If your company hasn’t generated any new ideas or products recently, it could be... read more →
April 5, 2019
The ISO 45001:2018 Standard – The Benchmark for Workforce Health and Safety
The ISO 45001:2018 Standard was published near the end of last year. This International Standard is replacing the OHSAS 18001,... read more →
March 28, 2019
Creating a Crisis Management Strategy
You may feel prepared for a crisis but could you be better prepared? It’s important to revisit your crisis management... read more →
March 22, 2019
How do you use a Turtle Diagram?
Turtle Diagrams are an effective tool for businesses to utilize as they help management step back and review all processes.... read more →
March 14, 2019
Strategic Planning Workshop
Owner of Competitive Edge Performance Solutions, Rick Bickerstaff, enjoys helping corporations with strategic planning workshops. Many businesses do not take... read more →
February 28, 2019
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course with Certification Opportunities
Interested in reducing waste and variability, streamlining projects, improving processes and reducing costs? If so, then this program is an ideal option for you! Designed for professionals... read more →
February 22, 2019
Barriers to Effective Workplace Communication
What is the number one complaint by your workforce? Statistically, poor communication is at the top – the very top! ... read more →
February 21, 2019
Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence Categories
The Baldrige Excellence Framework is used today by businesses, non-profits, healthcare and education organizations as a framework for organizational performance... read more →
February 15, 2019
8 Common Wastes Reduced with Lean Six Sigma
Have you thought about implementing Lean Six Sigma in your organization? Lean focuses on reducing 8 common wastes: DefectsOver-productionWaitingNon-utilization of... read more →
February 8, 2019
Resource Guide to Effective Utility Management and Lean
Rick was able to lend his expertise to the creation of the EPA’s Resource Guide to Effective Utility Management and... read more →
February 1, 2019
What is Quality Control?
"Quality control starts and ends with training." -Kaoru Ishikawa Quality control is a system by which companies review the quality... read more →
January 28, 2019
Internal Auditing
Performing routine internal audits in your organization allows the business to determine areas where it could improve, ensures regulatory compliance... read more →
January 17, 2019
Strategic Plan vs. Execution
If you don't have a strategic plan in place, your execution will be flawed. The strategic plan, and the implementation... read more →
January 10, 2019
New Year’s Resolutions for Your Business
When you hear "New Year's Resolutions" you probably think of losing weight, reading more or drinking more water. These are... read more →
January 4, 2019
Management Systems
We specialize in management systems that make companies more efficient, effective, competitive, and sustainable. A management system is the way... read more →
December 28, 2018
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program’s 30th Anniversary
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. What has the MEP achieved in the... read more →
December 20, 2018
Strategic Plan in Portland, Oregon
Rick recently visited Portland, Oregon to help a client on their strategic plan. Ricks has been working with this client... read more →
December 14, 2018
Free Resources & Publications
We offer many free resources on our website for companies to utilize in becoming more efficient. These resources include Internatinal... read more →
December 7, 2018
Benefits of Lean Six Sigma Training
Lean Six Sigma is a combination of two process improvement methods: Lean and Six Sigma. Combining Lean manufacturing techniques with... read more →
November 29, 2018
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Competitive Edge Performance Solutions! #CompetitiveEdge #HappyThanksgiving
November 22, 2018
Company Culture of Teamwork
“Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat people well enough so they don’t want to.” -Richard Branson At... read more →
November 15, 2018
Competitive Edge Performance Solutions Services Offered
The broad range of services we offer ensures we can assist you with growing into a performance-based, competitive and sustainable... read more →
November 8, 2018
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt Training
Lean Six Sigma combines two powerful business process methodologies: Lean and Six Sigma. This system can improve company performance and... read more →
November 1, 2018
Business Leader – Rick Bickerstaff
Great leaders build great companies. Our company is led by Rick Bickerstaff. Rick has over 30 years of experience in... read more →
October 25, 2018
Leadership Development Training from Competitive Edge Performance Solutions
What do you believe are the key elements to being a great leader? Warren Benis says “Leadership is the capacity... read more →
October 19, 2018
Baldrige Performance Excellence Program – 2018 South Carolina Quality Winners
The Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework (Baldrige Criteria) is a criterion that has been used by companies all over the world... read more →
October 11, 2018
Gap Analysis
What is a Gap Analysis? A Gap Analysis is a comparison of actual performance with desired performance. By performing a... read more →
October 4, 2018
Team Building
Every company needs a self-motivated, engaged workforce. Disengaged staff perform mediocre work. A culture of teamwork increases motivation, productivity, accountability,... read more →
September 24, 2018
Hurricane Florence Strategic Planning
While we take precautions awaiting Hurricane Florence, the Carolinas response to the impending storm is a great lesson for businesses... read more →
September 14, 2018
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Class
September 11-14th, 2018 Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt (LSSGB) Trident Technical College Interested in reducing waste and variability, streamlining projects, improving... read more →
August 30, 2018
Service Offerings from Competitive Edge Performance Solutions
Our service offerings include: 👉 Leadership Development 👉 Measurement, Analysis, Performance Management 👉 Management Systems 👉 Team Building 👉 And Many More! Our broad range... read more →
August 23, 2018
Charleston Water System Testimonial
"Rick has provided excellent leadership and continuous improvement training for Charleston Water System for over several years. Through his... read more →
August 17, 2018
Exemplar Global Lead Auditor
Rick has been offered the incredible opportunity to teach Exemplar Global Lead Auditor courses. These courses are for ISO 9001... read more →
August 10, 2018
Free Resources and Publications
Our Competitive Edge is that we care! One way we assist you with success is by offering free publications and... read more →
August 3, 2018
Transition Training for ISO 45001 from OHSAS 18001
With ISO 45001 replacing OHSAS 18001, it is time for your business to prepare. Big changes are coming with this... read more →
July 27, 2018
Lean Six Sigma Training and Certification
Companies save tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year by applying Lean Six Sigma! Are you interested in... read more →
July 24, 2018
Leadership Development Program
With a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership, Rick Bickerstaff knows that there is nothing more important... read more →
July 12, 2018
Competitive Edge Performance Solutions Cares
"Rick is a very knowledgeable, passionate and skilled Quality and Continuous improvement practitioner. He has great ability to observe your... read more →
July 5, 2018
The Sweet Spot: intersection of Process, People and Performance
A recent question from another blog was: What is the biggest misconception about your particular industry? I serve many industries,... read more →
February 7, 2018
NEW Health and Safety Standards! (ISO 45001)
Many, many organizations make health and safety a priority. I've been to a considerable number of companies that emphasize the... read more →
January 25, 2018
Is there a lack of leadership in today’s business world?
I've spoken with many that believe there exists a real gap in great leadership in today's companies. Do supervisors and... read more →
January 8, 2017
What has happened to ISO 14001?
As many environmentally-focused (green) people are aware, the ISO 14001 International Standard is going through major changes. What is your... read more →
January 3, 2015
Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence
What do our Baldrige management systems aficionados think of the Baldrige Criteria and the new 2015 name change? Should we... read more →
May 1, 2014
Lean Six Sigma Training and Certification
Lean Six Sigma combines two powerful business process methodologies: Lean and Six Sigma. This system can improve company performance and decrease process variations which lead to reduction of waste and improvement in profits, employee morale, and quality of products and services. Competitive Edge Performance Solutions currently offers training and certification in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt (Black Belt training and certification is under development)
Our competitive advantage is that WE CARE!
We truly care about your success. We want to help you develop your team. We want to help you improve your process. We want to help you plan strategically. We want you to get the results you want. Contact us today for a FREE GAP analysis to determine what is weak or missing in your current performance and identify how we can help.