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Tack or gybe? Implementing rapid change

Chris Martin 16 Feb 2012
Posted by Chris Martin

The world’s best yachtsmen spend days practising how to change direction quickly and smoothly.  Yacht races, like business competition, are often won or lost by how well the competitors change direction in response to environmental factors, be it the weather, the economy or competitors' moves.  In the current economic climate, when margins and cash flow can be tight, starting a change project can be a risk, but as Darwin is often quoted as saying, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change.”  However, if your organisation feels more like a super-tanker than a racing yacht then it is fair to ask whether the risk, effort or cost of change is really worth it?

The key is to change direction efficiently and get to where you want to be without extra cost or delay, which requires experience and focus on the change and the objective.  Athletes benefit from the experience of their coaches and Chaucer’s clients benefit from the breadth and depth of experience of implementing change that Chaucer can bring to bear in any situation.  That experience can be seen in action by the speed of change that can be delivered when a focussed team and methodology are applied to the challenge.

In this economic climate not changing is as at least, if not more, risky to a business as being bold and seeking to deliver extra value to customers.  The experience that Chaucer can bring to bear on a change project can help you make a strong strategic decision and then drive implementation.  This is because we know, as shown in our Chaucer Way - Change Management, just how challenging it can be to deliver and benefit from a change project.  The issues and complexities are many, but we have a systematic approach that draws on many years of experience in many industries that has delivered value and a clear return on investment for our clients.

Comments

27 February 2012 16:42 Deborah Feakins says

Hi Chris,

I agree with your blog. One of the questions that business leaders faced with large scale change or transformation often ask is "Where do I start?". This questions can arise because the task can seem overwhelming. In which case a practical approach like the Chaucer Change Management Way will support implementation of the change step by step. Alternatively this question speaks of an underlying concern as to whether the change is actually the right course for the organisation and whether it is 'implementable'. In this case it can be worth stepping back and undertaking a Feasibility Review or Project Audit to ensure that the direction and approach being adopted will serve the company well. Chaucer, who are an independent company with a wealth of experience, can offer balanced advice and recommendations from a practical standpoint. Often in the form of a report we will provide a starting point and road map with recommendations which will not only provide direction but crucially the confidence to answer the question "Where do I Start?". Deborah

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