I had a recent experience with a client that got me thinking about where business owners are thinking on a day to day basis. In the case I am going to discuss there was a focus towards a short term outcome which the owner felt was the right approach to delivering a result that could be seen in the short term.
In my view this is a typical human behaviour and not necessarily the right approach, but I am open to alternative viewpoints. Why focus on a short term outcome or quick fix when the underlying health of the business is not fully understood. A long term planning perspective (1 – 2 years) is a much better use of a business owners time in my opinion.
You cannot change direction in a super tanker in 30 seconds, it takes at least 5 miles and a gentle change in direction to make the full turn. A business is the same. A sudden change in direction or a tactical response to an issue will only highlight more issues. The natural impulse is to change quickly but considering the broader business issue will end up being a more informed decision and use the owners time more effectively to bring about lasting change.
After all there is no point in turning the tap on faster to fill the bucket if there is a hole in the bottom. Many visual metaphors but they are the most appropriate way to try and decsribe the situation.
The moral of this story is to look at both the short term and long term position but you must have the bigger picture plan in your mind otherwise you will end up taking your business on a very long journey, consume much energy and might be no better off.
If this sounds like you then let me know your thoughts and if you had any successes or failures as a result.
