How to Create a Step-Change in Company Performance: Insights from "Changing the Game"

The bestselling book Changing the Game: The Playbook for Leading Business Transformation provides a blueprint for companies aiming to embark on a transformation journey, emphasizing the importance of managing renewal to avoid obsolescence. It outlines practical advice on designing, managing, and delivering successful company transformations, drawing on leading practices to offer a comprehensive guide for action.

Crisis as a Catalyst for Change

As famously said by Winston Churchill: "Never let a crisis go to waste". At the heart of every transformation lies a crisis. This crisis can manifest in various forms, pushing companies to either shift their business models to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage, address a trend in below-expectations results, or perhaps even manage financial distress to ensure survival. Recognising the need for action is the first step towards deciding whether to undertake a transformative journey.

An Integrated Approach to Transformation

Successful transformations often follow a structured approach utilizing a set of orthodox tools and methods. "Changing the Game" introduces a five-stage process that guides companies through the intricacies of planning, designing, managing, and delivering a transformation program. This approach aims to navigate common barriers to change effectively.

The Transformation Journey Unfolded

1. Take Stock: Assess the company's current state to identify key opportunities and ensure operational and financial stability.
2. Create the Mandate: Establish a common understanding of the present challenges and opportunities to build a trajectory for change.
3. Map the Journey: Develop a compelling future vision and strategic themes to guide the transformation.
4. Mobilise: Prepare the company for change by communicating strategy, removing obstacles, and establishing a transformation office.
5. Execute and Track: Develop detailed solutions, ensure resource availability, and establish routines to monitor progress.

Mobilising for Transformation

Central to initiating a transformation is mobilising a top team capable of leading and managing the change. This involves deciding on the approach to the transformation, appointing a leader such as a chief transformation officer to develop the transformation agenda, and build a central team with the right capabilities.

Conclusion

"Changing the Game" provides a strategic framework for companies at different stages - whether thriving, facing uncertainties, or under pressure for change. It offers a pathway to reinvention, growth, and sustained success by institutionalizing innovation and transformation as core capabilities. By following the outlined approach, companies can navigate their transformation journey with clarity and purpose.

Changing the Game: The Playbook for Leading Business Transformation is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook from Booktopia https://lnkd.in/gvPMU6q Amazon https://www.amzn.com/0730389138 and all good booksellers internationally. You can also download the introductory chapter from https://ctgstrategy.com/book/

Michael Vullings

Strategy & Transformation Expert

[email protected]

www.ctgstrategy.com

Michael has over 15 years of experience leading strategy and business transformation across strategy, technology, and operations topics. He has worked across 60+ projects in Australia and New Zealand with clients across all industries. With a career background in strategy and major programs, Michael has degrees in B Laws (LLB), B Comm (Media), M ProfAcc, M Arts, and M CorpGvnce. He is also the author of the bestselling book "Changing the Game – The Playbook for Leading Business Transformation," published by Wiley and recognised as a finalist in the ABBA 2022 awards.