Proactive

Many times, we will just continue using a system or processes that are already in use, and not think too much about them.

However, as leaders, we should consider how we can make things better for our people and our organization.

If you are using a cumbersome system, consider empowering a competent person on your team to figure out a better way, then bring that good idea to you and talk you through it. If it makes send, bring in some of the other team members and have them “kick the tires” on the idea, as well as flesh out a plan to make the change. Explain the idea to the full team, and then implement that change.

You don’t need to think of everything. You don’t need to plan everything. You don’t need to do it all yourself. You do need to know what the plan is and share the vision of success, so that you can bring the full team on-board with the change.

Consider what area of your current operating procedures is your “weak link.” It might be old materials or equipment, or out-of-date software or manuals, or an analog or paper system that could be digitized. Ask all of your people if there are things you and the company are doing now that you should change or stop doing. Get their input—we often use an anonymous survey to ask questions like this when we facilitate strategic planning.

The best time to make changes is when things are going smoothly. That way, changes can be planned out and implemented calmly. Too often, people wait until there is a crisis, which adds to the financial cost and emotional stress.

(image source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1347716680056810&set=a.799211758240641)