Re-energize your strategy, avoid strategic drift

At times we all fall into a trap of low energy in our organization. We can feel the apathy in our team. Perhaps it’s due to a tough year and people are checking out early with the holiday season approaching. It may be change fatigue, where people are tired, and it feels like things are off-course.

Want to get a boost of energy in your team?

More spark?

More collaboration?

More can-do mindset?

More appetite for innovation?

More enthusiasm for change?

More hunger for business improvement?

More strategic initiatives actually delivered?

It doesn’t have to be a downhill run or limp towards the holiday season.

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One of my clients is setting themselves up now for an exciting strategic program in the new year that will transform the mid place in their industry. People are re-energized and getting all the pieces in place to hit the ground running in January. You can also do this now.

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Here are 3 ideas to avoid drift and re-energize your strategy:

1. Stop something. Pick one project or BAU item that is draining energy and stop it. Loudly and publicly. Announce that you’re relieving people of this thing, it has run its course and delivered what it’s needed to do or no longer required because things have changed. People LOVE to stop doing some things. It’s a sign of progress. People can also feel considerable satisfaction and relief, which is energizing. Consider, what can you announce that you’re stopping right now?

2. Reward someone. Announce an unexpected award for demonstrating one of the biggest cultural traits you’re trying to develop in your team. Eg who is your best collaborator? Innovator? Or invite someone in your organization to accompany you to an event or function as a sign of your recognition and appreciation.

For example, I will never forget the time my high school principal sent me an invitation to join her at a community event. The Mayor was hosting the function to celebrate some international students visiting our city with many local dignitaries. I was quite very surprised and excited to receive the invitation. And I felt especially privileged that she had singled me to represent our school. It turned out to be such a memorable day in my teenage years, nothing like I had ever seen before. A very small thing for her, but something highly significant for me. Imagine how that motivated and inspired me.

You can do the same for your people. And when it is something unexpected or unusual, it can be even more impactful.

3. Find an exciting AI quick win. Set up a new AI initiative with a team of talented people representing different parts of the business. Give them a mentor (if you’re stuck, call me). If done right, these types of cross-functional teams can generate amazing energy, collaboration and achievement of your strategic goals. Over the years I’ve set up dozens of these types of special task forces, and I’ve seen how it has produced outstanding results, AND accelerated the careers of those involved.

I hope you find these 3 ideas above useful to reenergize your strategic work as you move towards the end of the year.

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*** Please forward this article to someone who will also find it valuable. ***

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Quote of the week

“Unless someone like YOU cares a whole lot,

NOTHING is going to get better. It’s NOT.”

Dr Seuss