I read in the paper today about a local company that was closing it’s doors after 95 years. An institution of sorts that wasn’t able to keep up with the changing times. The reality is that no matter whether your organization is 5 years old or 95 years old, relying on what got you to where you are is not going to get you to where you want to be. To make lasting change in your organization, avoid these common pitfalls:
1. Status Quo Mentality – A cautious management team or “stuck” employees will undermine your results. Make sure that all executives (and employees) face reality and agree on the ground rules for moving forward. Address disengaged team members early (and directly) so that negativity, apathy or out-right sabotage can be avoided.
2. Initiative Gridlock – Change is good, but too much change can be unsettling, even overwhelming. Limit the company to three or four key initiatives to keep everyone focused on what’s most important.
3. Poor Execution – There are many things that can keep your execution at a sub-par level. You should anticipate and address common issues like post-launch blues and mid-course overconfidence. Open and constant communication is key in making sure that everyone knows what’s expected and their role in making it happen. Beyond that, there needs to be a clear Action Path and Accountability Process in place for all involved.
