Be a Visionary…Plan for Change…and the Holidays

Christmas, Hanukah, MLK Day, and St. Patrick’s Day, and other celebrations come once a year, every year. Some of these may cost us time, money, and other resources that we invest in their celebration. We know they are coming, they are all on our calendars. So we always prepare for them. Right?

Business growth comes in the form of higher revenues, more customers, through mergers and acquisitions, or maybe franchising. Regardless of the growth methodology, the fact is that businesses must grow or die. Growth brings change. So, we expect change and are always prepared for it. Right?

An executive client knows his organization is engaged in aggressive growth. However, when I asked how his department might change with the next two acquisitions, all he could replay was, “That’s a good question.” Well, yes, indeed it is. The fact that the thought had apparently not entered his mind was a surprise; and it’s especially surprising given the fact that he wants to be president of the company upon the current president’s retirement. So much for planning. So how can this executive better prepare his department for growth and change?

• Take stock of your talent. While it may be adequate for current business projects, can it take you into a larger sized department?
• How will other departments impact your department and vice versa during the next big change?
• How will business trends and organizational change interact to influence the tasks and projects your department will be held accountable for?
• What staff training will be required for future changes, particularly in terms of technology?
• What about team dynamics? Will your future staff be more diverse in terms of ethnicities, location, and talents?

An article by Matthew Swyers explains what can happen when a company fails to “grow in unison.” The infrastructure collapses in on itself.

Certainly, there is no shortage of questions an executive should be analyzing when it comes to growth and change. Part of handling growth and change effectively is preparing for it. As an executive, you are expected to be a visionary. Becoming a visionary is not rocket science.

• Be open minded and always on the lookout for new ideas and better ways of doing things.
• You must be able to communicate and be willing to share your vison with others – especially your own team
• Be courageous by not being afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to let others see you fail. Allow others the privilege of failing.
• See the big picture
• Keep up with social, cultural, and business trends

So just as this article is helping to better prepare you for change, here is some help for some of those dates on your calendar. At the time of publishing, there are approximately

148 days to Christmas
135 Days to Hanukah
160 days to M.L.K. Day
230 days to St. Patrick’s Day

Be a visionary…plan ahead.

Thank you for reading this blog. If you would like to have a brief conversation about your talent for the future, call 404-320-7834, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.performstrat.com

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