Consistency is certainly an effective leadership trait when you are managing a team. However, it is not a panacea that applies universally to every aspect of management. Business is all about the long game and, as any athlete will tell you, you only win races when you pace yourself.
Organizational Pace
Be it an individual, a team, or a multinational organization, each operates at its own organic pace. ‘Pace’ refers to the speed at which progress occurs and goals are met. At the organizational level, pace is strongly aligned with the management style of the core leadership team, particularly that of the CEO.
It is possible to accelerate or decelerate that pace deliberately. However, it is almost impossible to maintain a significant deviation from the baseline over an extended period. Such a shift can only be achieved through deliberate changes to how you manage and drive your team.
So, when should you institute such changes? We look individually at accelerating and decelerating pace.
Acceleration
Over the past 18 months, far too many business leaders have seen their organizations’ pace slow to a crawl. Many industries continue to flounder today, putting employment, profitability, and business viability at risk. In these circumstances, an acceleration of organizational pace can jumpstart productivity and reverse the decline.
You can accomplish this by instilling a sense of urgency in pursuit of short-term objectives. A series of reasonably simple, finite goals can reinvigorate a company languishing in the doldrums. This strategy works because it forces the team to work together as they would have when it was business as usual.
That return to normalcy can imbue a sense of immediate purpose in individuals who have lost the drive to push themselves.
Acceleration
Over the past 18 months, far too many business leaders have seen their organizations’ pace slow to a crawl. Many industries continue to flounder today, putting employment, profitability, and business viability at risk. In these circumstances, an acceleration of organizational pace can jumpstart productivity and reverse the decline.
You can accomplish this by instilling a sense of urgency in pursuit of short-term objectives. A series of reasonably simple, finite goals can reinvigorate a company languishing in the doldrums. This strategy works because it forces the team to work together as they would have when it was business as usual.
That return to normalcy can imbue a sense of immediate purpose in individuals who have lost the drive to push themselves.
Counter this by taking your foot off the pedal. Refrain from knee-jerk reactions and instead practice cautious vigilance. It is simply homeostasis for organizations; bumps in the road are less bone-jarring if you proceed at a slower pace.
You are in Control
The recent jobs numbers have been less than stellar and that is bound to cause some consternation. Show good leadership at this trying juncture by not focusing solely on transient circumstances but on building your organization’s long-term feasibility.
The world of business is a race, your organization is a runner and its pace is the runner’s heartbeat. Understand that pacing is a dynamic characteristic and that you have the power to drive it or rein it in as circumstances demand.
Contact me today if you would like to discuss ways to lead your organization into the future
