Flying an aeroplane whilst building it
If you are reading this, you must be
1. Rethinking your plan of attack for 2015 and big change is required
2. Pressures from your higher uppers that you need to perform miracles again
3. A fetish for pain!
4. The magic word, investment, was used in one of your meetings and with that I mean phasing out your required hires but still build the services/expertise that you need to succeed in business
5. Just became the BOSS!
But let's face it. Business today does require such a skill. A skill that you can only stumble upon if you actually put yourself out there and stick your neck out. This is best harness by going through it.
Cause flying an aeroplane whilst building it does not mean general maintenance, it actually means upgrading the plane that you currently have with as little disruption as possible.
And I can only speak of my own experience in the agency world so please pardon me if I over simplify things (well... the best plans are simple...so maybe this might work for you too!)
Like all things, sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don't and sometimes you have great bosses (Read: Safe zoning leadership, not outsourcing) that will allow for you to have a certain amount of time with a clear mutual understanding of the risks involved. But the point is that the moment you know that it is not headed in the right direction then man up and make the right decisions. NO one else can make that decision for you but you. Ownership and accountability is critical in this instance.
And your most loyal colleagues will understand that you need to trust them to know that nothing is perfect and shit happens. They too need to be mature enough to know that change is inevitable and they are just as responsible for the change as you are but you the bug starts and stops with you. Yes, YOU.
So as I think about how I managed to survive a few pit stops up in the air over the years I have to say that
1. A strong foundation to start with. Was very fortunately to have had a great foundation to start with and then all I needed was to surround myself with colleagues that knew the score and believed in the greater 'good'.
2. Roadmap a 90days plan that would lead up to a six month plan. Once you pass the first 90 days you will know where you stand and then it is half yearly. Enough time to see further results with enough time to course correct
Many little steps to one big step.
3. Know your business. Know your clients. Telling your clients that you are taking this journey actually is a must. Every business needs to go through change and if it is for the better and the clients can see that, this will make your transformation so much easier. But share your vision and plan. Let them be part of this journey too.
A couple of years back I had 90% of the creative department left me at one go.... and speaking to our clients then was one of the biggest learning I had then. Of course a great management team that will stand by you helps. We managed to rebuild and grow again. Good times:)
4. I know that the general instinct is to keep seeking consensus from your peers and your boss, but really, once you have a plan just focus and go for it. Never over correct, resist the urge but instead trust in your plan and the people around you to deliver.
5. Enjoy the ride. It is a job after all. Without these moments, you will never be able to share with others and hopefully they will benefit from your own wisdom and experiences!
Ok.... have to put my brakes on now:)
#justsaying