Over the last 3-weeks business owners of all sizes have been challenged on a daily basis to create new strategies, and develop ways to keep business going in the midst of what will likely be the biggest challenge of our generation.
These challenges have had businesses scrambling to figure out “work from home” procedures, identify if their team needs to be downsized, and also how to navigate the constantly changing messages and communication that all key stakeholders need.
Some businesses currently have not seen a loss of business or revenue, some have already shut their doors. Although the unknown seems to be the only known thing right now, I think another thing most people are now coming to terms with is that business is going to change.
McKinsey and Company have now released an article that suggests what business need to be doing right now is to have a separate “Plan-Ahead” team. This team is different from the current strategy team. It is a dedicated team that they suggest looks at your business in segments (1 to 2 weeks ahead, 1 to 2 quarters ahead, 1 to 2 years ahead, and the next normal”.
Although some companies may be able to manage the current crisis with a “stay calm and carry on” philosophy, most businesses are facing potential restructuring, the need to identify new ways to diversify, or potentially an entirely new business strategy to stay in the game. This is a daunting task of reflection and planning for any business, but as a small or medium size company, without the resources or the people to focus on this, how do you actually make this happen?
As someone who has worked in change leadership for a number of years, I find the ADKAR model for change is one that is easy to understand, and right now easy to understand tools are what we need more of in our back pockets!
A- Awareness- recognize the need for change
D- Desire- participate and support the change
K- Knowledge- know how to change and identify what the change will look like in terms of skills and behaviours
A- Ability- implement the change on a daily basis
R- Reinforcement- Sustain the change over the long term
This change model is flexible and offers a lot of room to move around in it. However right now when the top consulting firms are recommending fast and swift change, decision making and action. We need to NOT get stuck in what we are currently doing as the ONLY way to do business.
What we know about change leadership is that it is more about managing the emotions around change then it is about managing the change itself. I would invite you to be open to the fact, that right now as a small business owner, emotions are high (as expected) and there is a possibility that managing our own leadership mindset is being challenged.
Knowing that when our own emotions are high, we don’t think at our best, I think it is a great time to consider getting some support.
Having someone who can look at your business from a balcony view, allows for a perspective that is hard to get on your own. You are an expert in the product you sell, the service you offer, or the solution you give to others.
Let someone who is an expert at navigating change, business development or event client experience response help you through these challenging times. If there is a time to prioritize the energy and time you have to give; now is that time. Pulling back on pushing the business forward will not accelerate your business. However strategically spending your time on what you do best and getting support from others on what they do best is what is needed.
We will get through this together, you do not need to do it alone!
Here as your partner in developing the future of your small business, and planning for the days ahead.
Melissa Maloney is the founder of Happy Leader Enterprises; an operations and sales expert and Co-Founder of All Women L.E.A.D. Happy Leader Enterprises is committed to helping you build your business through EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS and ENGAGEMENT.
Happy Leader Enterprises would be proud to be part of your Plan Ahead Team. We are now offering 2 hour “Everybody Wins” strategy consultations. Book yours today:
