egin with an end in mind, especially resources.
We all understand and agree that there is no such thing as a free lunch, yet time and again, we fail to recognize the need for resources to bring change in an organization (and in us as individuals). Remember, what got us here won’t get us there!
We assume that we will achieve excellence by thinking big and making grand plans. We assume that our current skills, mindset, and resources will get us from here to there. So, we start with a bang, a new year’s resolution, or a kickoff event, and not too long after; we come to a screeching halt.
In my experience, understanding resource needs and funding them is one of the biggest errors in change efforts and fits the popular definition of insanity of doing the same thing and expecting different results. So here I offer a couple of steps before starting the change process:
✳️ Assess and forecast resources:
Start with understanding the job to be done and the resource needed to succeed. Our culture promotes and rewards doing; too often, we think it’s a waste of time to plan. However, this is a crucial step, and we must assess the current skills, mindset, and resources, understand gaps, and forecast needs to get there.
✳️ Align and fund resources:
Unfortunately, we don’t have unlimited funds and must align the needs with the priorities. Allocate resources to the vital few and stick to them. I have written about the concept of “Less is More,” which applies perfectly in this step. See link below.
Again, begin with an end in mind. Think ahead and resource excellence.