In my last post I referred to a fairly well-known quote attributed to Vivian Greene (wife of Author Graham Greene) … “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning to dance in the rain!” In thinking of what this might mean in a business environment it brought to mind critical actions that I see the most successful companies taking to reclaim their ability to drive the business … from the driver’s seat. Maybe you have a good start and are well on your way. Where I see upward movement maximized it is where an organization has incorporated ALL of these actions. I previously related the initial 3 actions HERE. And what follows are the last 3. Together they will hopefully give you a good litmus test that will help you determine where you are on your path to taking back the control of your company’s destiny.
ACTION # 4 – Envision the possibilities
What’s possible? This step calls for the team go to dreamland of what could be and to brainstorm general ideas or concepts.
What opportunities may now exist resulting from the changes your leadership has identified?
What ideas did the team consider in the past yet didn’t pursue because they were satisfied with their success … ideas that might now make even more sense?
What products or services might now be needed in your industry because of the upheaval within the business world?
What choices might be appropriate today that weren’t relevant prior to the economic downturn?
How might you alter existing products or services to make them more appealing to your today’s customers’?
ACTION # 5 – Explore the possibilities on the way to a decision
Here is the process step in which the team gets to shape the future … a future in which their knowledge, strengths and experiences will once again, make them a thriving, profitable, successful and secure company. Making the ultimate decisions here brings with them the energy and drive that will again permeate the organization. Determining how your business will move forward … with your leadership team in control again … will create a more positive and affirmative environment for your employees and customers.
ACTION # 6 – Create the specific plan to move forward
Here are some of the questions that must be considered in order to bring your plans and decisions into a state of reality: How will your decisions change the tasks and responsibilities of each area of the company? What new resources are needed and which ones have become obsolete? What new skills must be learned or brought on-board to insure success?
We don’t consider the changes needed or in process in many companies either easy or simple. We do know, however, that it is exciting, invigorating and very motivating to all involved – leaders and associates alike. And whereas we have only outlined the specific actions around ‘Step # 1’ in the move to reclaim control, this is the one that represents a pertinent beginning. All of the steps needed to put your company back on the path of a thriving and successful organization can be achieved in a relatively short time period.
I grant you that dancing isn’t all that easy under the best of circumstances for many of us. And to dance in the rain makes the trek slippery and slushy at times. But come on … if I thought I could enjoy the success I have known … again … even I will learn to be a good dancer. Let the music begin!
Mike
