Moving Forward
We are often measured, not with our everyday actions, but how we handle crisis. One of the most common responses to crisis is paralysis. We stop moving. Everything that we have been looking forward to; will never be the same. We do not know where to go next.
In business, we have seen this a lot over the past 3 1/2 years. The pandemic completely restructured how we do business. For example:
For those restaurants that froze, they went out of business. While others adapted and allowed take out service and setting up table locations outside.
For others, it was the labor shortage, and companies’ lost extraordinary talent to companies who were willing to pay double for the same person. While others changed their workspace flexibility to hire remote talent from around the country.
For others, it was the supply chain challenge, and they were unable to source product from China at an affordable price; or get the products that they needed. While others started sourcing product in India, Mexico, or returned manufacturing back to the US. (BTW, Mexico is now our #1 importer)
The difference in survival; was overcoming paralysis and moving forward.
These challenges happen to us personally as well. Perhaps, we learn we have a significant medical challenge, a struggling relationship with our significant other, or a loss of a loved one.
Yesterday, after my sister’s memorial, a connected family member said to me, in times like this, we need to “keep peddling forward.”
(BTW – A sincere thank you to everyone who has reached out via comments, text, phone, etc. Very meaningful.)
The Power of the Rudder
This was wise advice. Yet, it’s not just about peddling forward. It’s about moving forward in the right direction.
The rudder is the appendage below the waterline that steers the boat. On a ship, the navigator provides direction to the ship captain. The captain uses the steering wheel to turn the rudder. This action guides the ship in the right direction towards their intended destination.
What is significant is that the rudder blade is typically less than 2% of the underwater surface area.
Meaning, one small turn to the steering wheel, which turns the rudder blade, will keep the ship on course.
If the captain loses focus or begins to be paralyzed by inaction, the ship will begin to veer off course. The wind, the waves, and the currents will guide the ship without the right leadership.
The metaphor to a ship’s rudder, and strategy to a business, is striking. Most organizations spend only 2% of their time on strategy. A good strategy should guide the direction of the organization. Yet, if we have a bad strategic plan, we can work (peddle) really hard and go in the wrong direction. If we have leadership that continuously focuses on the next shiny object, we will turn the ship back and forth, and lose momentum towards our intended destination. If leadership gets paralyzed and stops being strategic, the organization will be at the mercy of the economy, competition, labor challenges, etc.
Strategic Facilitation | CAPTAIN Strategy Course
This is why we designed the CAPTAIN Strategy course. We love onsite facilitation. The picture below is at an onsite facilitation with fitPROS based in San Diego.
However, we are limited to the number of weeks in the year to be onsite with clients.
Therefore, we designed an 8-week, one-hour live virtual Master Class. Our next course starts Monday, August 7th. The cohort is capped to 8-entrepreneurs/executives. Our 3-pilot courses received raving reviews.
This course is guaranteed to provide you 2x value, or your money back. You obtain strategic support over a 12-month period, at the cost of a latte per day.
Email me at carljcox@40strategy.com or Tonya Smith, Operations Director, at admin@40strategy.com to reserve a spot today.
Imagine how one focused strategy hour, per week, can help you guide your company in the right direction.
(And yes, we will incorporate AI/ChatGPT into the course) |
