Are Daily Issues Overshadowing the Things that Really Matter?

Most senior leaders understand how challenging it can be to focus on improving the business when the demands of running the business occupy all their time.  This is one of the most common issues faced by the leaders of small to medium businesses.  Unfortunately it is also one of the key reasons that keep most organizations from truly succeeding. 

How can you overcome this pitfall?  We recommend a three-pronged approach:

1. Develop a Focused Strategic Plan:  While only 40% to 60% of small to medium size companies have an active strategic plan, those that do grow 30% faster.  To create an annual strategic plan in the middle of a full schedule, either carve out a couple of weekends to build it with your team or break it up into smaller sessions over several months.  You can also bring on a strategic planning company such as Anavo to do the heavy lifting for you.  No matter how you create it, make sure your plan has addressed the key issues that have been holding the company back and focuses on the most important priorities that will drive growth and profitability. 

1. Prioritize Strategic Implementation Sessions:  Once you have a strategic plan, schedule monthly accountability meetings where the owners of the strategic projects report on their progress.  Without these meetings, most of the plans and goals will simply not be achieved.  These meetings also give you the ability to adjust the plan based on changes in the market or in the business. Treat these sessions as if they were a critical meeting with a key customer.  If urgent issues arise, these meetings can be rescheduled but should never be eliminated.

1. Dedicate Time for Big-Picture Planning:  Senior leaders should set aside regular times for big-picture planning. At Anavo, we typically recommend these personal meetings be scheduled for half-a-day at least once a quarter, preferably offsite. This time should be spent on what it will take to address your team’s issues and how your team can help achieve the company’s mission and goals.  The small amount of time will save significant time in the future by addressing issues before they occur. 

By implementing these strategies, you will begin to reduce the daily chaos that has been holding back the organization.  You will also ensure your leaders are aligned and focused on the things that will help the company be successful over the long term.

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to connect with us for a deeper discussion of these opportunities or on how we can assist you in this transformative journey.  You can find additional articles on business and leadership success on our blog page.