The pace of today’s business requires agility and change to maintain success. That is the reality of our situation. But be warned: “change” is difficult. Sometimes it requires tinkering, other times it means tearing down the very structures that have taken you to the point of achievement that you have obtained today. This is the first in a series of articles designed to help you pin point your fears, willingness, and ability to make changes that will improve and grow your organization.
Merriam Webster defines “change” as “to take a different position, course, or direction.”
Owning a company is tough, relentless, and all consuming. You started it from little or nothing, worked hard, set up systems, survived the recession, and built the organization into a viable entity. But what’s next? The decisions and actions which brought you to where you are today may limit your organization and inhibit further growth.
Change for the sake of change is not what I am advocating. Making changes can be difficult and potentially painful. There is a lot to consider, but it is important to assess your situation and be open to change.
The economy is better, construction starts are accelerating, and you should ask yourself, especially if your company is located in a growing market: how do you plan to take advantage of the opportunities? Can your current capacity keep up with potential sales? Capacity is much more than the number of employees you have on staff or the pieces of production equipment you possess. An evaluation of your company’s capabilities should include the depth and breadth of the company’s infrastructure, the ability to accurately process estimates, designs, production, shipping, invoicing, and collection for every additional job you take on.
If growing your company is not what’s in your forecast, then maximizing profits should be a focal point. Improving your company’s efficiency to maximize profits also will require fine tuning, adjustments, and change.
Change is not easy, but it is absolutely necessary to grow, adapt, and increase profits. Change will challenge you, your staff, and the company. But, if you truly believe that doing more of the same is going to take you and your organization to the next level, then you need to dig down deep and rethink.
The first step: you must develop the mindset that you are ready to confront the fear, face the challenges, and support change. Are you ready yet?
Next Month:
Identifying personal pain points and preparing for change