Volatility is the new norm. Results must be an assumption as companies struggle for high growth rates, fight to find and retain top talent and find that execution alone is no longer enough to succeed in the new normal business environment. In order to stand out in the crowd and succeed, we must think differently.
Instead of looking at the latest and greatest fads and expensive programs, why not turn your thinking upside down and consider a simple yet effective approach to success? The power of focus! What could focus do for your projects?
In my experience, regardless of company type, size, industry, and reach (local, national, global), the 80/20 of client project success – improved bottom line results – relates directly to focus. Undoubtedly, when we start the client project, it seems much more complex; however, I’ve yet to find an example where a key driver to success doesn’t substantially fall into the category of focus. So, why does focus matter? The main reasons include: 1) Strategic clarity. 2) Practical application. 3) Motivation.
#1) Strategic clarity. First, a baseline tenet – the most successful companies understand where they are going. Thus, it is vital to consider the top priorities to ensure progress towards that vision. The best companies not only understand where they are going but they also achieve a strategic clarity throughout the organization by aligning focus with the direction.
Ideally, the Executives have a solid handle on the key aspects of the long-term roadmap to achieve the vision. Although that used to be a 3-5 year plan, long-term has become 12-24 months in the new normal business environment. Then, on a yearly or every 6 month basis, the top priorities should emerge. I’ve noticed that this topic can become a circular conversation, as strategic clarity leads to the top priorities – and focus on the top priorities leads to strategic clarity throughout the organization. However, the key point is that the organization will excel through the power of focus which typically manifests itself in clearly communicated key priorities.
In the words of one of the best financial leaders I’ve worked with throughout the years when asked her opinion of the key to success of the CEO who not only turned around the company while valuing people but also completed a successful sale of the company, she said, “he refused to veer off the strategy and kept the organization focused”.
#2) Practical application. No company can be successful when it divides its resources (people, capital/ cash, etc.) among too many initiatives. Focusing on the right critical issues – no more than 3 to 5 in most cases – is vital to achieving success.
#3) Motivation. Help your organization translate the top priorities into succinct goals. Do not get sidetracked with those which you know how to achieve, those which are easy to achieve or those which are more interesting to achieve at the expense of those which will accelerate progress towards the strategy. In a word, “focus”.
Make sure everyone understands the value to the organization of achieving their goals. Make sure the goals are achievable yet require a stretch for the employee. Accelerate the pace of progress with an unrelenting focus. There is nothing that motivates an employee more than clear goals, which are not only valued by the leaders but will also contribute to the company’s strategy and success. A leader’s focus and appreciation translate into happy employees and bottom line results.
I’ve seen projects ranging from a 50% reduction in inventory levels to a launch of a new product line achieve the intended results largely through focus. In today’s too much cash with the concern of what tomorrow might bring, finding a recipe for success that doesn’t require a capital or cash investment is undoubtedly worth pursuing. Which projects can you successfully achieve through focus alone?