It is that time of the year again when people set new goals. For example, loose ten pounds by working out four times a week and not eating after 8:00 p.m. We all know that sometimes traditional goal setting works and sometimes no matter how we try, it seems real life, real day to day needs and wants, and mindless habits get in our way. Nothing much changes, including the results.
This is especially true in business. We want the business to grow, yet the way the business operates doesn't really allow it. Operations seem to overpower good ideas, even those big ones led by passionate employees or teams. "The way you are is not always the way you can be".
You can wait out the tougher, economic times, keep showing up and see what happens. This might work if the marketplace warms up, or you can decide what you need to focus on this year, press the reset button and begin again. That's what all those who have 'fire in the belly to compete to win' do regardless of the tougher, economic climate and the challenges of boosting performance, making change happen, and trying to give their company strategic direction.
Looking back at my Monday e-mails to you here are a few count-ons. Yes, the marketplace has changed for a lot of you and it will again whether you decide to adjust to the wants, motives and needs of the markets you serve, or not. So, in 2011 you either get serious and committed to listening to your markets, seeing trends, seeing what's possible as an offering, engaging customers and actually asking what's going on, or you will have very little, strategic direction and a weak business strategy. Hope is NOT a strategy, and the 'operations bully' wins again. Expect tougher margins in 2011. Steve Jobs said recently, "The way to killer profits is to have killer products/services."
There are simple actions you can take in 2011 to ensure your business is strategically designed to succeed and grow. In our MMM's in 2011 we will review how to rethink your business. I'll provide the questions, you provide your own answers. If you are a C level executive, a manager or owner, then follow the Monday Morning Mentor religiously. (3 - 4 minutes a week) Another action is to join our monthly Strategy Huddle of business people at our office. It is complimentary, but you do need to ask about attending.
If you realize that change is imminent and you are transitioning the business, then you can count on the fact that most changes, whether restructuring, cost cutting, new product/offering rollouts, IT transformation, require people to fundamentally change the way they work. Despite the inherent challenges, most people will change if they believe that doing so will make a real and positive difference in their lives and those of their customers. In 2011, I will share with you our list of success factors in designing and implementing change management initiatives.
All those people who want to make a difference in the execution, attitudes and everyday actions of everyone and are tasked with delivering the desired state of the business and making it an enduring reality, should read our Monday Morning Mentors this year. Nearly 60% of supervising executives agree that a successful transformation program is due more to the way you handle the people initiatives than other elements.
For those who need to help others, or yourself, deliver on the business objectives of change, possibly taking on new behaviors, responsibilities and competencies, or just being flat out more of a producer so the business or team can boost performance, we will spell out ways to lead, sell, present, engage people, coach, train, control our attitudes, and other capabilities to be more productive business people.
Our organization will share our research, experience and principles from almost 100 years in business. I will in as practical and common sense way as I can, give you my 45 years savvy in helping clients grow and in running my own business. Why not make 2011 the best year for growth, learning and profitable action. Life gives us a New Year, new beginning.... Let's take advantage of it.
ACTIONS: New Year Thinking...What area needs your focus this year?
· Strategic Direction: Is it necessary to give your business more strategic momentum or direction?
· Make Change Work: Do you need to help your organization transition to a new desired state, possibly implement new offerings, succession or management plans? Do you need to execute it through the engagement and co-operation of your people?
· Boost Performance: Do you need to boost the present performance by building your team or the individual competencies, skills and attitudes of your people?
Which of these three areas is of importance to you?
Why? What could it do for the business and for you?
What could happen if you don't act on it?
Have a great 2011 and a strong first week.
No comments:
Post a Comment