June 2006 Deep Insights

POTENTIAL is an illusive state of mind. To reach potential, first one must define the boundaries, second preparation has to begin and third the resolve to stay the course must be mastered.

Defining boundaries for potential requires gathering information about strengths. What are the current trends that define a market and who makes the market a market? Is it high margin low volume; is it high volume low margin or someplace in-between? Will personnel be capable of delivering with their current skills or will training be required to capture the competencies? Are resources available to support those expenditures required for research and skill enhancements? What is the time line for this window of opportunity? Are we capable of building excitement to execute within the time line?

Preparation is the second key to reaching potential. During this phase evaluation of steps must be completed as each begins, is carried out and completed. Often the boundaries we establish move ever so slightly but now demand continued adjustments. Your competitors have recognized the value, technology has been discovered that will alter the process, personnel are balking when faced with training on top of their day to day activities, and the time line has now shortened for execution. Building excitement will require a major event constructed by and orchestrated by Senior Management.

Senior Management must build resolve into the current state by sharing current reality. Time is now a major factor. Report cards are telling us the market is there, resources are available, competencies are near execution strength but the time to market has collapsed. Everyone must recommit themselves and have the resolve to stay the course. Resolve is best achieved through dialogue. Reviewing the path traveled, the length of the journey in front of us and establishing collaboratively the action necessary to execute will build a vision of success for everyone; sharing the excitement of success, lending strength to those who need support and building a global understanding of “what’s in it for me.”

Reaching potential is a reality when focus is kept on the process and individual events are not deemed as success or failure.



Deep Insights
June 2006