I am excited; Fall is here! I tell you it is my favorite season of the year! It reminds me of how the chaotic, hustle and bustle of summer gives way to the Fall– a season of contemplation, regrouping and preparation for the most dormant season of the year!
Metaphorically organizational design and development goes through a similar flow of existence. There is a time for everything. A time to plant and a time to harvest the fruits of the seeds that have been nurtured. There is a time to trudge forward with plans and time to reflect. With reflection comes big ideas and seeds to be planted in spring.
Recently, I’ve been advising an organization that is developing a private business incubator and entrepreneurial training program, and I am excited to see the work of this team flourish and be a launchpad for local entrepreneurs. During this process, I’ve learned many lessons.
But here are a few big ideas that needed to be considered in the appropriate season:
- Build an ecosystem of support that are vocal champions-not passive observers. Engage everyone. The ones you assume have nothing to offer maybe the ones that bring the greatest transformation.
- Design future focused operations modeled on best practices. Leverage case studies/research/subject matter experts from similar projects to learn how they enhanced their workflows and recruitment. Learn what is important to attracting funders and venture capitalists.
- Document your own journey, best practices, and case studies. Memory fades. People change. Ensure continuity.
- Focus on continual improvement in the delivery process–not the end result, in isolation. Too often we oversimplify the product to consumer paradigm and neglect the process of how to make it happen in the most effective way.
- Lay an infrastructure of technology that can be adjusted incrementally, and do not require massive overhauls that will cost you more in the long run.
Transformation happens when you decide to plant the seeds. Nurturing the seeds require you add more or less water. Increase or decrease its exposure to the elements. Soon the fruit will burst forth and ripen for harvesting. Then you plan the next phase. Whatever phase you are in, each requires attention to the process. From planning and planting to nurturing and harvesting, each has its own need for focused attention.
Whether you are new to the idea or well-seasoned, re-engage your love for nurturing growth not just the end result.
What season is your business in? Leave a comment below!
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