I found a terrific chart on “managing complex change” (h/t to Babs Rangaiah.) It's a formula that consists of five key elements: Vision, Skills, Incentives, Resources, and an Action Plan.
In essence, when you have Vision, Skills, Incentives, Resources, and an Action Plan, you're on the path to transformational change, but when one of these elements is missing or deficient, the outcome is far from change. It's like a domino effect of obstacles.
I break down this in more detail via my Substack. You can subscribe here.
Here were my top 10 takeaways from this packed session (and as a reminder, you can listen to it in its entirety by subscribing to the podcast version)
- Empathetic Vision: Make your vision relatable by showing how it aligns with your audience's aspirations. Empathize with their needs, address their pain points, and demonstrate how your business can help them achieve their goals.
- Chart Your Vision: Without a clear vision, you're navigating blindly. Define your business goals and communicate them effectively to your team. A shared vision fosters alignment and empowers everyone to work towards a common purpose.
- Embrace Accountability: To turn your vision into reality, hold yourself and your team accountable. Accountability fosters progress, and it's crucial for achieving your business goals. Create a culture of responsibility within your organization.
- Skills Upgrade: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Invest in training and skill development where needed. By constantly improving your abilities, you stay competitive and capable in an ever-evolving business landscape.
- Cortisol, Not Calories: Entrepreneurs must prioritize stress management as a critical component of their overall well-being. Healthy minds lead to more productive businesses. On the flipside, anxiety's excess cortisol can contribute to weight gain.
- Motivation Matters: Ensure your incentives align with your long-term goals. Your drive to succeed often hinges on the rewards and recognition you anticipate. Make sure they're compelling enough to keep you pushing forward.
- Resourceful Growth: When you lack resources, don't hesitate to seek help. Partnerships, investments, and mentorships can fill the gaps, providing the support and expertise needed to scale your business effectively.
- Resourcefulness Over Resources: It's not always about having abundant resources. Resourcefulness, the ability to make the most of what you have and ask for help when needed, can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs facing constraints. Don't let a lack of resources stall your progress; get creative and resourceful.
- Action Trumps All: Planning is essential, but execution is paramount. A well-structured action plan helps you turn your vision into reality. Consistency in executing your plan is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart.
- False Starts Derail Progress: Timing is critical in business. Premature actions may result in wasted resources, while delays can lead to missed opportunities. Master the art of seizing the right moment through strategic planning.
Change is the result of aligning your vision, skills, incentives, resources, and action plan to create something new, something better, and something worth striving for. Managing complex change is like a delicate dance among these elements. They must work in harmony, or you risk hitting the ceiling of frustration. It's a challenge, but it's also an opportunity to create something remarkable.
Joseph Jaffe is a Professional EOS Implementer, serial entrepreneur, thought leader, and creator of the business show "Joseph Jaffe is not Famous." He shares his knowledge and experiences to guide leaders toward success, growth, and empowerment.
Find out more at Joseph's EOS microsite or book time with him directly here.
For more of Joseph's insights and advice, subscribe to his talk show "Joseph Jaffe is not Famous" at bit.ly/subscribetotheshow, his daily podcast, Collective Cafe to Go at bit.ly/collectivecafetogo, his LinkedIn newsletter , and of course this Substack at jaffejuice.substack.com.