Does your organization work like a “well-oiled machine” to achieve your strategy? Or more like a flowing river? It makes a difference.

These days, operations are disrupted daily with constant surprises: labor shortages, supply chain challenges, inflation. Changing consumer attitudes, workforce behaviors, and social expectations. Oh yeah…and then there’s COVID.

I’m doing new research into the challenges and what it takes to successfully lead a new strategy in today’s very disruptive environment.

What I’m finding so far is that instead of building a “well-oiled machine” (a model that used to seem like a noble goal), today’s disruptive world demands a much more fluid approach.

One secret weapon seems to be an operational foundation that can turn and shift and flexibly ADAPT.

This means:
o  Instead of hierarchical organizations, a move to flatter, collaborative working groups
o  Instead of silos of experts, broader roles and systems-thinking 
o  Less “because that’s the way we do it” to data-informed processes
o  From butts-in-seats onboarding about detailed tasks to onboarding about culture and how we think, and just-in-time knowledge transfer for details
o  From launching big 5-year project plans to learning from innovative pilots and focusing on continual 90-day sprints  
o  From leading with directives and escalations to more clarity about purpose and principles that equip the frontline to make informed decisions themselves. 

What do you think? Does YOUR team function like a well-oiled machine? Or a flowing river that makes an impact as it continually shapes a new path, overcomes obstacles and moves steadily forward?

Which is harder to lead? ( And which environment would be more fun for you!) 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

All the best – Susan

P.S. If you are leading a new strategy, or getting an initiative back on track, check out our De-Risk System for Impact. It’s a practical way to anticipate the risks of your strategy and put a plan in place to address them. Happy to discuss how they might apply to your situation.

Your mission is too important. Don’t let it get derailed.

Susan Schramm, Founder, Go to Market Impact susan.schramm@gotomarketimpact.com