Most small and emerging businesses have a strong core competency- something that they practice to effectuate success. It could be the way you deliver your solution, it might be the design of your product or it could be your total customer experience.
Regardless of what, exactly, your niche expertise entails, the point is that every organization has its strengths and conversely, each has its weaknesses. If, as a leader, it falls on your shoulders to make critical business decisions in regards to challenges, then you should consider implementing the following problem resolution method
When a business has a weakness that is hindering its potential, it is important to identify and resolve the weakness quickly, then get back to focusing on its strengths.
There are a number of ways to address a business weakness.
1. Fix it
2. Support it
3. Replace it
In this blog I will focus on the first of these three approaches to confronting even your toughest business challenges.
Fix it – In most cases, the people who are closest to the problem are the people with the answers to how to solve the problem. Below is the process we use at ProSales Connection to address weaknesses or issues within our business operation and when we have determined that the issues needs to be solved with a 'fix it' approach.
1. Make sure that the people closest to the problem understand that you are not satisfied and set the correct expectations for what your vision is for this area of the business.
2. Challenge the team to think creatively to identify one or more solutions to the problem.
3. Empower the team to implement the change after careful consideration of the proposed solutions.
4. Measure your success. Make sure to regularly check that the proscribed change is being adopted and that the operation has not slid back into comfortable mediocrity.
5. Reward the team that proposed and implemented the solution. Make sure you recognize the creativity and effort employed to improve the company as a whole.
In the next few weeks I will continue to elaborate on the other two options for addressing areas of improvement in your business. I encourage your feedback and thoughts on my view point. The more interactive, the better!