"If you don't have a
crisis, create one". That was
a suggestion by one of the TQM gurus in the 80s to American businesses who had lost market share and lost revenue because they'd become lazy and
complacent in how they ran their business. The strategy behind uttering such a
statement, of course, was to create a sense of urgency to cause action,
facilitate behavior change among the timid or indecisive.
“Out of Crisis" was
written by Dr. Edward Deming in 1982. Deming was considered the father of the
quality movement along with other organizational and business thinkers like
Juran, Crosby, Feigenbaum who introduced systems, philosophies, and techniques
which was the nexus for "change management". This movement grew
in the ’80s and 90s because American business became desperate to regain
market share and quality they had forfeited to other countries, primarily
Japan.
In 2020, businesses and
individuals do not need to create a crisis, we have been living one for the
past 2 months. We have been confronted in the past 8 weeks with Illness, death,
fear, loss of freedom, loss of relationships loss of income loss of identity,
and yes, loss of businesses.
As the world prepares to
re-open for business, each of us will be presented with unique opportunities
and challenges going forward. While news reports continue to peddle daily gloom
and doom, the dynamics created by this crisis will require careful observation
and preparation for those organizations and individuals who want to navigate successfully through a new reality. Since I began my career in the
Change Management arena I've described to my clients the 3 types of people who
make up every organization...i.e. Those who make things happen, those who watch
things happen, and those who wondered what happened.
Observe going forward those
trends that we have/are experiencing which will be the basis for ongoing change
that will require you or your business to become increasingly nimble personally
and professionally. Leaders, pay close attention to the following as it will
impact your business.
Ø
We’ve experienced this fact, governments can totally control a population with
“fear”.
Ø
That communication through the internet or cable TV can persuade people
to action or inaction based on their political point of view.
Ø
That dancing with the devil (the Chinese Communist government) will lead to a
destructive outcome.
Ø
Lawsuits will run rampant by opportunist
Ø
Buying “cheap” is a false economy
Ø
Living for today is a terrible long term plan
Some harsh realities going forward from this
pandemic.
1.
There will be many who will live in fear until there is a vaccine or the news and social media outlets tells them it's ok to go outside and live life again.
2.
Businesses and people who have not managed their money, resources, or life
properly may never recover.
3.
A new psyche will develop by some who will expect the government or
organization to take care of them. They will demand that they are paid to stay
at home until it’s safe. This will lead to new government regulations and an
increased burden on business.
4.
Inflation will accelerate in the coming years. Printing money by governments
and shortages have and will create monetary difficulties in the days ahead.
5.
Some jobs will never come back. A recent study suggests as many as 40% of jobs
will be lost forever.
6.
We will all learn what “essential” jobs are. You can be replaced
or eliminated.
7.
New partnerships will emerge because of devastating supply chain breakdowns or
breakups.
So, where are the opportunities?
Some
of the greatest examples of wealth and growth came during the great depression
and there will be again. In a short phrase "It's all about the
hustle!"
This
is not an exhaustive list, but some for your consideration.
1.
The Hustle...Pay close attention to the negative items listed above.
Adjust strategies as you observe movement in any of them.
2.
The Hustle... Weak balance sheets and lack of financial discipline of the
past will drive many out of business. Be prepared to fill the void. Acquire new
companies, start a new business to meet the changing demand. This is a great
opportunity for starting that business you've always wanted to start!
3.
The Hustle...Develop a tireless "entrepreneurial" mindset, in
yourself and those employees whom you choose to keep and partner with you.
Entrepreneurs are "risk-takers" and will be more important in our
present world filled with those who are risk-averse.
4.
The Hustle..This is no time to go soft. For years I've talked of
building an organization with employees who "add value". The
crisis we are experiencing will force businesses to eliminate former HR
thinking. Having people on the payroll because they have "seniority"
will be a thing of the past. Elimination and amalgamation of the workforce will
be the strategy in the new business reality.
5.
The Hustle... Be positive in everything you do. We've all been
tirelessly bombarded with negativity for 8 weeks. Whether your a waitress or
restaurant owner, you must instill a cheerful positive approach to your job,
your business, and your customers. Work harder than you've ever worked before with
a pleasant outlook. You're lucky to have a job, demonstrate that with humility
and gratitude.
6.
The Hustle...Develop and foster new relationships that will support your
business with the same values, mindset, and hustle you have. For my
international readers,(especially those in former soviet block nations) this is
a golden opportunity to become dependable and reliable suppliers to business in
Western markets. The supply chain for the future will change..Get ready for it.
It will require getting your act together locally by shunning the old
bureaucratic practices of the past. Engage with your local business,
government, and political leaders to take advantage of some tremendous
opportunities that will soon be just around the corner. Places like India, Vietnam,
etc. have a head start on you, but you can make inroads if you hustle now.
Who would have thought we would
pine for the “good ole days” referring to 2019? Parts of the good ole days may
come back eventually, but not all of it and certainly not the way we approach
business, customers, and relationships.
Dust off your old change
management books, find a person who can guide you through the new reality..
Keep your head up, be positive, display a sense of urgency (not panic), and…
Finish Well
