This week’s focus: Over the last few years I have been writing and speaking about my observation that ‘nothing fails like success’, and that many companies don’t fail because they’re bad at what they do, but because they’re great at what they do. They simply fail to adapt quickly enough to changing markets. One of the examples I use is Kodak, which sadly, but perhaps inevitably, filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this week.
There are no easy answers for successful companies wanting to succeed today and also catch the next wave of growth. But you can only do it if you are genuinely engaged in driving future growth. One CEO I know ensures that he and his team seek to spend 80% of their time on current year performance, 15% on growth in the next 2-3 years, and 5% on longer-term growth.
Are these splits of time correct? I’m not sure, but it seems like a pretty good start. So how about you? As a leader of your company are you spending at least a day a week on growth initiatives that will pay off in over 12 months time?
Off the record: Kodachrome by Paul Simon
When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school
It’s a wonder I can think at all
And though my lack of education hasn’t hurt me none
I can read the writing on the wall
© Stuart Cross 2012. All rights reserved.