We all get caught up in the gravity of day to day business, and it is the daily routine that keeps us where we are today. We repeat our processes; our systems “lock us in” to doing business a certain way; our training is teaching the same skills and knowledge as last year; and then we wonder why growth is so elusive. We think a good day is no hiccups.
But are we doing a disservice to our companies if we aren’t our own devil’s advocate, pursuing a balance between present and future and figuring out how to do something better or differently than everyone else. What holds us back?
Spend your time leading towards the future
One of the biggest forces of gravity is simply time. How do you balance time spent on today rather than on tomorrow? If you are the leader of your company, and if you are not working on a growth strategy, who is? Not growing is really moving backwards, because change is happening in the world whether or not you are changing. Those who are not growing are moving backward, and they risk not existing in the future at all.
“Me Too” does not lead to growth
Sometimes gravity is created by our industry standards when we strive to keep up with the competition and end up in “me-too-ness” instead of separating ourselves from the pack. Without a strategy that identifies a way forward, one that takes into account what is happening in the marketplace; what customers really want; what strengths you can capitalize on; and what activities or routines you are following that do not take you forward…you are gravity bound.
Commonly, we establish habits and don’t see other options. Many times this can actually be caused by success–a good thing–unless it holds you back from advancing to the next level because you don’t change as the market changes and we can all count on the market changing!
Change is the unknown
Change brings risk. Change is the unknown, and none of us has a crystal ball to consult. You can, however, collect real data that gives you a solid understanding of where market forces are taking your industry, how your customer base is changing and what their future expectations are likely to be, how your particular strengths can be directed into new activities to take you to new places, new markets, new customers. Solid data will give you confidence in your predictions for the future, confidence in your strategy for growing in a changing world.
Defy gravity in your company and lead into the future.