Get back on track: Reset, re-group, and re-energize your business in 2022
As we head into the second quarter of the year, it’s time to get back that spring in your step and achieve even greater results than before! Here’s how…
We’re three months into the new year, and while setting goals may have seemed like an impossible task in January – because, well, the pandemic and everything that came with it – when it comes to business, there are certain objectives that need to be met to ensure company success. The last 24 months have seen almost all businesses operating in crisis-management mode, with many long-term goals being put on hold to assuage the more urgent issues at hand. And whilst the harsh reality of the damage done and disruption caused can weigh heavy on managers and leaders, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Restrictions are easing, temperatures are rising (hello spring!) and with it, the market is warming up too. As we head into the second quarter, now is as good a time as any to move from crisis mode to intention mode – taking stock of what you set out to achieve in the beginning of the year, evaluating the fallout, and re-focusing where your energy is needed.
Whether big or small, all organizations need clear and actionable goals. Did you make those new hires you wanted to? Were you able to successfully execute your first quarter projects? Have you developed an effective back-to-office strategy? If you haven’t, that’s okay. Use this time now to pick up where you left off and reflect, re-group and re-energize for the remainder of 2022.
If you’re feeling a bit stuck or overwhelmed, here are a few methods that we practice at Creative Niche to help you stay on track and get back that spring in your step.
BACK TO BASICS
This may seem simple, even obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many businesses try to rebound with elaborate plans – and often fail. Never underestimate the power of fundamentals. After two years of pivoting and cross-functioning, going back to the basics to define clear goals and responsibilities is necessary for determining the way forward for your business.
The RACI Matrix
The RACI Matrix is one such approach that you can use to do this. As Bob Kantor of CIO explains, “integrating the RACI model into an organization’s project life cycle (PLC) creates a powerful synergy that enhances and improves project outcomes”.
RACI stands for responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed – the four roles that any team member might assume in a business objective or project. When implemented correctly, the model helps define “every task, milestone, or key decision involved in completing a project”.
When there is confusion, poor communication, or lack of direction and responsibility in a team’s task, the RACI model can help pave a clear – and actionable – path forward.
WATCH: How the RACI Matrix can work for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMT_WPFh6RU&t=185s&ab_channel=IDGTECHtalk%20
Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand
As we mentioned earlier, many businesses have been operating in crisis-management mode. While necessary under the circumstances, companies’ major goals and strategic initiatives were among the first casualties as a result of the pandemic. Now, businesses are racing against the clock to make up for lost time. We all know how hard time management can be – even in the best of circumstances – so how do leaders effectively master it? The answer? Prioritization.
At Creative Niche, we turned to the famous ‘rocks, pebbles, and sand’ analogy (also known as The Jar of Life). When applying this to your business, it’s important to identify what your big rocks are (the long-term, major goals necessary for success), what your pebbles are (short-term, less important goals), and what is your sand (minor tasks not necessary for success).
The big rocks are most important. By identifying your rocks, you will be able to prioritize your teams’ time and resources better – which in turn, will help the pebbles fall into place, explains Business Insider.
The Rockefeller Habits
Developed more than 100 years ago by John D. Rockefeller, these 10 habits are considered essential for executing a company’s long-term business strategy. The framework essentially focuses on three main pillars (priorities, data, and rhythm) – providing businesses with a strong foundation for scaling up. The 10 Rockefeller Habits have become world-renowned “for its power to scale businesses to the point of generating millions in revenue,” writes Pooja Singh for Entrepreneur.
They are:
- The executive team is healthy and aligned
- Everyone is aligned with the #1 thing that needs to be accomplished this quarter to move the company forward
- Communication rhythm is established, and information moves through the organization quickly
- Every facet of the organization has a person assigned with accountability for ensuring goals are met
- Ongoing employee input is collected to identify obstacles and opportunities
- Reporting and analysis of customer feedback data is as frequent and accurate as financial data
- Core values and purpose are “alive” in the organization
- Employees can articulate the key components of the company’s strategy accurately
- All employees can answer quantitatively whether they had a good day or week
- The company's plans and performance are visible to everyone
And remember, even though your business may not be where you want to it be right now, it’s important to take a moment to celebrate the small victories, too. Success won’t happen overnight, and you may need to refine and improve these methods in a way that works best for your business. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the ability to adapt is crucial in these ever-changing times. We’re all trying to find our feet in the aftermath that is Covid-19, but we hope that these tools will help you achieve a softer landing as you re-build your business for success in 2022.
