Choosing How the Ride Will Be:
New Business Ideas for a New Year
In 2012 David, a good friend and colleague, had been a professional race car driver so riding with him was different than riding with most other folks. It wasn’t the speed at which he drove, but the way he handled the car that was noticeably different.
Leaders frequently say they need to transform their organization’s culture, but they wonder how they make that happen. Although there is no magic bullet, there are some things you can do to make the change process more positive and effective.
Rapid change is becoming the norm. Just when we think things are about to settle down, regimes change, the Dow drops 350 points, a breakthrough technology is unveiled and/or a key executive becomes ill and steps down. For some this change is overwhelming. For others, it is just part of game, and they become energized by the new challenges now before them.
The difference between the two groups lies in their levels of resilience. Those who are more resilient choose to view the change as an opportunity. They spend their time and energy trying to figure out how to exploit the change, rather than fight it. They adapt by trying new moves so they can recover quickly and spring back into action.
Daryl Conner, in Managing at the Speed of Change, suggests that there are five basic characteristics of resilient people. They:
Display a sense of security and self-assurance that is based on their view of life as complex, but filled with opportunity (Positive).
Have a clear vision of what they want to achieve (Focused).
Demonstrate a special pliability when responding to uncertainty (Flexible).
Develop structured approaches to managing ambiguity (Organized).
Engage change rather than defend against it (Proactive).
(Daryl R. Conner, Managing at the Speed of Change - p.238.)
Although some of these characteristics speak to our outlook on life, most reflect a concerted, proactive attempt to see opportunity in change.
So what can we do? We can work on becoming more resilient. Just as we do stretching or Pilates to keep our bodies limber, we can do a number of things to keep our attitudes limber thereby become more resilient when dealing with change. To begin we can:
Take some deep breaths. Get more exercise and more sleep. Eat healthier. Get our bodies in better working condition.
Start to view change as a process, not an either-or-situation.
Avoid “catastrophizing”. That is, don’t automatically assume that the worst will happen. Consider that change that may bring benefits we had never considered.
If the change starts to feel overwhelming, focus on seizing the minute or the day and let things begin to play out. Tomorrow we can deal with tomorrow.
Spend some time each day doing something you enjoy and can control such as cooking, reading, running or creating something new.
Embrace change as a new way to learn and grow.
Given that rapid change is becoming the norm, we can all benefit by systematically working at becoming more resilient.
News Release: Steve Vucelich is Vice President, Partner with S4 Consulting
S4 Consulting is excited to announce that Steve Vucelich has been named Vice President and a Partner with the firm.
S4 Consulting is a business consultancy that has been helping companies to create a competitive strategic advantage by unleashing the power of their business relationships for over twenty five years. S4 Consulting President & CEO Sallie Sherman says, "I am delighted that Steve has become a partner in the firm. His strong ethics, deep understanding of managing the challenges of business relationships and his commitment to colleagues and clients' customers makes him an asset to our firm, and to our clients."
Steve is an expert in helping companies design and implement relationship management programs, customer profitability and industry positioning. Steve joined the firm in 1998 and has been a Senior Consultant with S4 for over 10 years.
His experience in competitive intelligence and financial analysis helps clients increase profitability of their critical business relationships. He assists with portfolio analysis and customer segmentation, working across a range of industries including health care, transportation, technology, energy and telecommunications. As a result of his work, clients are better able to identify additional profitable business opportunities and to evaluate innovative approaches to partnering with customers.
Steve received a B.S.B.A. in Business and Accounting and a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Geneva College, and an M.B.A. in Organizational Leadership and Management from Franklin University.
For more information, contact Mimi Kuehn:
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, or call (614) 220-5700.
News Release: Jack Fish Joins S4 Consulting as Practice Leader
S4 Consulting is delighted to announce the addition of a new Practice Leader with the firm. Jack Fish has joined S4 Consulting, leading S4 in the health care industry.
Jack Fish brings over 30 years of expertise in executive leadership and management, sales leadership with P&L responsibility, managing national accounts, and strategic planning. Jack spent over 30 years at GlaxoSmithKline, beginning his career as a Sales Representative and growing into a Senior Executive Leadership role with the company. He retired from his position as Vice President for Channel Management and Pharmacy Solutions.
Jack grew with GSK through the changing landscape of the health care industry, and as such, he has a deep knowledge of the complexities of the health care industry.
Jack has been honored with several Lifetime Achievement Awards, including the 2009 Harold W. Pratt Award, presented by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), and the 2006 Nexus Award presented by the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA).
For more information, contact Mimi Kuehn:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, or call (614) 220-5700.
I'm going to miss the rhythms of summer: the long days, breaking of waves and sounds of crickets. They remind me of growing up in the South and cause me to feel centered, relaxed, and renewed.
Thinking about these rhythms of summer made me realize that relationships have rhythms too. I head them this morning during a business call. It was the easy give and take, the willingness to deal directly on tough issues, and the authenticity of the person on the other end that created the rhythm.
There was no posturing or sugar coating; just two people in sync, working together to resolve a complex business issue. Because of the rhythm of that relationship, following that call I felt acknowledged, connected and energized. The first day back from my vacation was off to a great start!
Unfortunately, not all business calls (or days back from vacation) go so smoothly. Some days the relationship rhythms are not so soothing. They pierce rather than soothe. In those relationships there’s more talking than listening, insistence on being right rather than learning, or conflict rather than collaboration. On those days, I leave work drained or exhausted.
The next time you’re at work on a call or in a meeting, listen for the rhythms of the relationships. What do you hear? If there is something that feels “off” to you, it probably is. Check it out. Find out what gives.
Is it just a bad day for someone else?
Is there something you or others are doing that is impacting the meeting?
Is there something you can do to alter the rhythm of the relationship to make the process and the outcome more productive?
If there is, for heavens sake, do it. Make a move. Take a risk. Ask a question. Listen more closely. Alter your tone.
Do whatever it takes to make the relationship rhythm as productive as possible. Your colleagues, customers, families and friends will thank you for it! (And vacation won’t seem nearly so far away.)
1. Take Better Care. First and foremost, people who manage well in turbulent times start by taking better care of themselves. They eat better, drink less, and make certain they get some exercise. That allows them to clear their heads, reduce their stress and be more resilient. It helps them avoid being overwhelmed.
2. Stay Focused. They stay more focused on doing an excellent job on the task at hand. That way they experience regular short-term successes that keep them motivated.
3. Know the Options. They have looked at possible scenarios and know their options, but they don't dwell on the worst-case scenarios. They stay open to all possibilities so they can make the most of whatever situation arises.
4. Listen Better. They talk less and become better listeners. They practice their reflective listening skills. They create an environment in which those around them can vent their frustration, concerns or fears, feel heard and then they move on.
5. Stay Centered & Confident. People who thrive on turbulent times stay centered and confident. They understand that confidence is contagious and they draw on a climate that promotes confidence. They look for possibilities rather than blind alleys.
6. Network. They don't try to go it alone. They increase their connections with others and draw off their skills.
7. Keep Evolving. They are sure that this, too, will pass. They know change is constant.
A Message from Sallie