How to lean rather than topple during a crisis

Challenging times call for challenging measures and decisions.  In this article I want to share three basic yet essential steps to helping navigate the current challenges and set a course for the future to the much talked of “new normal”.

​1.      LEAN IN.....to the challenge

Across the world people have pulled together to face and address the initial challenges of the pandemic. Whilst many countries have implemented travel restrictions, social interaction limitations and lockdown type measures as an initial response to reduce the spread of the virus, people and businesses have leaned into this challenge by finding new ways and means to function. That well know mother of invention, necessity, has had a profound impact on the pace of digital adoption across the globe over the last few months. Businesses that, for reasons of legacy, tradition or even national security have hitherto shunned remote working have quickly adopted well proven and readily available technologies to enable continued operations under necessarily socially restrictive times. The initial focus and response to the challenge has necessarily been Business Continuity; on how to continue with the core and essential elements of the status quo. However, survival and growth in the long term require additional considerations and actions.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success” (Henry Ford)

 

2.      LEAN OUT.....operations to get in the best shape for survival

Given the impact of the pandemic on many businesses amid global and national travel restrictions, limitations on shopping and socialising, for a lot of businesses the challenge has become about survival. “Survival of the fittest” is a well hackneyed yet simple concept. Business survival through these uncertain times is about maximising cash flow and minimising costs, as discussed in my previous article. Leaning operations ensures that revenues and cash reserves are spent as wisely as possible. It can and will require a dispassionate, critical and thorough review of the key elements of the current operating model and some searching and at times tough decisions to be made that have a lasting impact on the business.
 
“There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all”
(P Drucker)

 

3.     LEAN FORWARD..... to find your “new normal”

Business transformation is, in essence, about seeking out, working toward and getting comfortable with a “new normal”. New target operating models, new processes, new digital tools, new products and new markets are hallmarks of some of the business transformations I have worked with both SME and global FTSE corporate blue chips to identify, plan and deliver. Leaning forward is about recognising and realising possibilities and potential. Leaning forward to realise such potential often requires a catalyst, a reason to change. The global challenges presented by coronavirus are a significant external impetus for profound change. However, successful business wide transformation also requires change from within in the form of transformational leadership. Organisations often find it easier to engage dedicated, focussed and well proven expertise to work from within to help and support them in creating a compelling vision for the future, planning and mobilising the team toward this goal. If you need help or simply want to talk through the challenges you face then contact us here.
 
 “The secret of change is not in fighting the old but in creating the new” (Socrates)