Is Your Business Stuck Like Scrooge? Unlock the Spirit of Commercial Agility This Christmas... ??
Nick Adams
FMCG Profit Coach | Bigger, Better Business Results, Faster... | Commercial Transformation, Strategy, & Capability Specialist | Interim Management
As a consumer goods business owner, hitting a revenue plateau can feel frustrating—like you’re doing everything right but still can’t break through to the next level. Here’s the truth: growth isn’t just about working harder; it’s about thinking smarter.
Just like Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, many business owners find themselves stuck—unable to move beyond a certain revenue level. Maybe it’s fear of change, outdated methods and processes, or simply not knowing what step to take next.
???? But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck.
??This Christmas, let’s take inspiration from Scrooge’s journey. Yes he was watching the pennies, but his mindset was all wrong. His transformation wasn’t just about generosity—it was about embracing a new mindset. In business, a commercial agility mindset adaptable to change is what unlocks growth, profit, and long-term success.
Here is your guide to adapting your MINDSET and ensuring your business thrives in the new year:
?? 7 Steps to a Mindset for Change :
1?? M – Monitor Trends and Opportunities The Ghost of Christmas Past reminds us to learn from history. Review market shifts and customer, consumer and shopper behaviour to uncover hidden opportunities. Knowledge is power when it comes to agility.
?? Key Tip: Dedicate 30 minutes weekly to reviewing industry news and competitor updates. Set alerts for relevant topics to stay consistently informed without being overwhelmed.
2?? I – Invest in Learning and Development The Ghost of Christmas Present shows the value of action today. Equip your team with the skills to sell, negotiate, and innovate now—not later, so you and the team can handle challenges with confidence.
?? Key Tip: Identify one key skill gap in your team and arrange targeted training or coaching sessions. Start small and build a culture of continuous learning, not one-off tick box training.
3?? N – Nurture a Culture of Innovation Like Scrooge’s nephew Fred, bring optimism and creativity into your business. Encourage fresh ideas and bold moves to keep your team agile and energised.
?? Key Tip: Hold monthly brainstorming sessions where all ideas are welcome, regardless of practicality. Reward participation to foster creativity and encourage risk-taking.
4?? D – Develop Resilience Challenges will come, but the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come teaches us that resilience shapes the future. Use setbacks to build strength and learn valuable lessons creating stepping stones for growth.
?? Key Tip: Share examples of past challenges your business overcame to inspire your team. Use setbacks as teaching moments by focusing discussions on what can be learned.
5?? S – Set Clear Priorities Scrooge learned to focus on what truly matters. Identify high-impact goals and ensure your team is aligned toward achieving them. Agility isn't about doing everything at once.
?? Key Tip: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorise tasks into urgent/important, important/not urgent, etc., ensuring your focus remains on high-impact activities.
6?? E – Empower Your Team Just as Scrooge empowered Bob Cratchit by supporting his family, give your team the tools and trust to take ownership and succeed. Empowered teams act faster and drive results more effectively.
?? Key Tip: Assign decision-making authority on smaller projects to team leads. Trust them to execute, providing guidance only when needed.
7?? T – Track Progress and Reflect Scrooge's transformation came from reflection. Regularly review your business strategies, celebrate wins, and adjust where needed to keep improving.
?? Key Tip: Use a simple balanced scorecard to track key metrics weekly. During team meetings, dedicate 10 minutes to reviewing what worked, what didn’t, and one action for improvement.
领英推荐
?? 3 Things to Avoid When Adapting Your Mindset for Change...
?? Avoid Clinging to the Past - Scrooge’s initial refusal to change nearly cost him everything. Don’t let outdated strategies hold you back.
?? Avoid Neglecting Your Team - Scrooge learned the value of treating Bob Cratchit with respect and fairness. Don’t overlook your team’s needs—they’re the heart of your success.
?? Avoid Ignoring New Opportunities - Scrooge ignored joy and generosity until it was almost too late. Don’t miss out on growth by avoiding risk or staying in your comfort zone
? This Christmas, don’t let your business remain in the past...
??Unlocking commercial agility starts with YOU in the way you think, lead, and inspire your team. By cultivating a mindset adaptable to change, you can break through revenue plateaus and achieve sustained profit growth.
??Reading Tip : Principles by Ray Dalio A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
??Next Issue: We will introduce the 3 core Business Pillars and the PROFIT system for Consumer Goods businesses.
Please comment, subscribe and share.
?? About Nick Adams:
Nick is a Commercial Transformation Specialist & Certified Business Profit Coach. With years of experience in consumer goods strategy, commercial capability & profit coaching, Nick has helped numerous business owners & brands implement agile practices that lead to rapid profit growth and sustainable success.
?? Ready to unlock the spirit of commercial agility?
?? Embrace 2025 and the future with an agile mindset ready for change, and watch your profits grow like holiday cheer in the Cratchit household!
#CommercialAgility #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Mindsetforsuccess
Business Transformation Leader
1 个月Thanks for sharing Nick - All 7 are important but #1 (Strat analysis) and #3(Nurturing a culture of change) are vital. I think of these as the “hard day’s night”…