NC State of Business

So often in the past, I have seen companies devote huge amounts of cash, personnel, materials, and other valuable resources on initiatives and strategies without putting forth the upfront work to make sure that all of the effort will yield a bountiful harvest. While I am sure the reasons vary and all appear to be justified, I have always been amazed that so much hinged on so little actual sustenance. I am starting to see a change in this type thinking.

My clients have been much more focused on: what type results they should expect, how they will get the results, what commitment level will be required, and so on. I have always gotten these type questions; but, now I see significantly more focus on the details. This may be one of the few pluses of the current slow economy. Maybe now, leadership is more cost conscience? Maybe it is lack of funds? Whatever it is, folks are asking the right questions.

On your core initiatives, make sure you are asking the right questions. Here are a few that I think need answers:

(1). How and to what extent will this help you? Dig down into the weeds here. Do not just accept that you will benefit. Will this benefit your customers? Your company finances? Your associates?

(2). How much will you have to commit? Time, money, materials, organizational involvement, supplier involvement, customer involvement, etc…

(3). Do you have the expertise to execute the initiative? Can you draw help from other sources in your company? Do you need outside assistance?

(4). Do you have time to make this happen? Most changes do not happen in short periods of time. Avoid running out of gas before you get a successful implementation by making sure you are robust in PDCA.

(5). Will your culture support the initiative in both the short and long term? If not, this will have to be addressed or failure is certainly a likely outcome.

I believe you have to have these and other core questions answered in detail as part of your upfront work. If you do not know where to start or what questions to ask, please call us at IES. We know the questions to ask and can provide real examples and data to support your efforts.