The only ones who like change are kids on an adventure
Così, più o meno, affermava la straordinaria Maria Ludovica Lombardi said in a training course I attended a few years ago. But since change is the only constant, it’s better to know how to handle it than just endure it.
Looking around, you’ll notice that — despite crises — some companies thrive. The ones that succeed are the companies that best understand their customers’ needs. They set a general course — a route — and adjust it over time depending on the market and circumstances.
So, what are the key points behind their success? Here are at least five:
- Set a clear direction, but stay flexible: Successful companies have a clear vision of the future and how they plan to satisfy customers and stakeholders. Clear, shared objectives and values help everyone make the right decisions. At the same time, these companies constantly review results and check if they match the desired future.
- Step into the customer’s shoes: Understand how customers use your products, why they buy them, and talk to them often. Never lose touch with reality!
- Develop alternatives: More and more companies experiment with multiple options at once to see what works. Small tests with different approaches help identify the best way to tackle a problem.
- Use technology to boost collaboration: Whether it’s teamwork among colleagues or engaging customers via focus groups, surveys, or other tools, technology now allows companies to speed up processes and achieve significant cost savings with reasonable investment.
- Set up a management control system: Staying on course requires two things: knowing where you are and having the right tools. This is particularly strategic because it lets you see the company as a system and continuously monitor its “vital signs.”
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