Corporate Impact: The difference between long-term wins & short term gains.

When I transitioned from a military and paramilitary background into corporate security, there was one unfamiliar word that permeated every conversation, "IMPACT”. Its echo was as common as breathing, mentioned in strategy calls, performance reviews, and casual discussions. Initially unfamiliar with its true significance, I came to understand that making a genuine impact in corporate strategy involves more than just superficial efforts. It took me time to grasp its true meaning, a journey highlighted by the varied interpretations of what constitutes genuine impact. It’s about creating lasting programs and initiatives that align with the organization’s long-term objectives.?

By definition, the word "impact" means the force of impression of one thing on another. In the context of corporate strategy, it can be defined as the significant or major effect one action, decision, or initiative has on the overall organization, influencing its direction, success, and growth.

This phase or word, impact, seems often overused and the informal definition can vary wildly based upon, level, role, and the organization. I’ve distilled this down when calibrating the work and effort one is trying to accomplish. This brings us to a fitting metaphor: Are you making the cake or just decorating the cake? Even if you’re not a Michelin-star pastry chef, you can appreciate the straightforward relevance of this metaphor.

Making the Cake: Building Programs and Long-Lasting Impact

Making the cake involves establishing the foundation, creating programs and initiatives that yield a lasting, organization-wide impact. This process demands vision, strategic planning, and a comprehensive understanding of the broader picture. While it may lack immediate glamor, it is indispensable for sustained success. These significant efforts often get overshadowed by short-term wins, as genuine impact requires months, quarters, or even years to plan and implement. Consequently, its effects may take longer to permeate the organization. Leaders have a responsibility to ensure that long-term achievements are recognized and rewarded as frequently as short-term successes, often by breaking down milestones to maintain momentum and visibility.

Vision and Strategy: Just as baking starts with gathering quality ingredients, building a lasting impact begins with a clear vision and strategy. Just as a baker envisions the final product before mixing ingredients, professionals need a roadmap for their initiatives. This involves understanding the organization's goals, identifying gaps, and outlining solutions that align with long-term objectives.

Building Foundations: Establishing the core elements that will support the organization's growth. For instance, in a security context, this might mean developing a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. This includes risk assessment, policy creation, training programs, and continuous evaluation.

Organizational-Wide Impact: Your efforts permeate through the entire organization. The impact is not confined to a single department or a temporary project but is felt across teams. A well-baked cake (program) benefits everyone, from top management to frontline employees, creating a safer and more secure workplace.

Sustainability and Continuous Improvement: It’s not enough to implement a program; it must be nurtured and improved continuously. This means regularly reviewing and updating policies, incorporating feedback, and adapting to new challenges. Just like a cake recipe can be perfected over time, so can your programs.

Decorating the Cake: Short-Term Impact and Limited Scope

Conversely, decorating the cake symbolizes efforts that, though visually appealing, fail to contribute to the organization's long-term success or sustainability. These endeavors often deplete resources and divert attention from mission-critical objectives. Such superficial efforts can foster a counterproductive culture, demotivating high achievers and fragmenting the workforce. This bias against substantial effort can spread negative sentiments, undermining the recognition of truly impactful achievements.

Short-Term Solutions: Focus on quick fixes and short-term gains. These are often reactive measures rather than proactive strategies. For example, hosting a one-time training session on workplace violence might look good and show immediate action, but without a comprehensive program, the impact is fleeting.

Limited Scope: Decorative efforts typically have a limited scope and do not address the root causes of issues. They might improve a specific area temporarily but fail to create lasting change. In our metaphor, this is like adding frosting to cover up cracks in the cake—while it may look good for now, the underlying issues remain unresolved.

Superficial Engagement: While decorating can generate temporary interest or engagement, it often lacks depth. Initiatives that are not rooted in a strategic framework may attract attention but do not build a solid foundation for future growth. This could be akin to an internal marketing campaign that boosts awareness without driving long-term behavior change.

Temporary Fixes: The ‘impact’ of decorating is often ephemeral. Without a solid foundation, these efforts tend to fade away, leaving no lasting mark. For instance, a one-time compliance training might check a box but won't embed a culture of safety within the organization.

Balancing Both: When Decorating brings the Cake to Life

It’s important to recognize that decorating is not inherently negative. In fact, when executed thoughtfully, it can complement and enhance foundational efforts. One might argue that neither can exist meaningfully without the other. After all, can a cake truly be complete without its decorative touches? And no, we’re not just talking about a plain pound cake.?

Enhancing Visibility: Smaller efforts or peripheral related work can be used to highlight and draw attention to foundational programs. For example, a well-designed campaign can raise awareness about a new security initiative, ensuring that it gets the visibility and engagement it deserves.

Motivating Engagement: Strategic engagement can significantly motivate and inspire employees. Recognizing and celebrating milestones within a program can maintain momentum and encourage participation. For instance, celebrating the anniversary of a safety program with an event or reward can keep the initiative top of mind.

Bridging Gaps: In some cases, short term wins can bridge gaps while foundational programs are being developed. Short-term measures can provide immediate relief or improvement as longer-term solutions are put in place.

Parting Thoughts

Ultimately, the key to making a lasting impact in your role is to focus on making the cake—building programs and initiatives that provide a solid foundation and drive long-term success. Decorating the cake has its place, but it should support and enhance the core efforts rather than replace them.

In my own journey, I've found that the most rewarding projects are those where I've invested time in understanding the needs, building strong foundations, and continually improving upon them. It's not always the quickest path, but it's the one that creates true value. So, next time you embark on a new project, remember to gather your ingredients, mix your batter, and bake your cake with care. The sprinkles will then be the perfect finishing touch to a job well done.