How do you know when you are getting in your own way by moving too fast? Yes, it’s important to gain momentum and keep kicking the ball down the field to get to the goal line. There is also something to be said for pausing, rethinking and redefining what the goal is.
With technology and trends moving more quickly all the time, learning the art of the pivot is worthwhile. We occasionally have to stop and question whether we are taking actions for the sake of keeping the momentum going or if in fact we are doing the right things. After all, Silicon Valley’s mantra is “fail often and fail fast.”
A pivot is an intentional shift in direction based on challenging your own thinking and repurposing your business products or services. You will know it’s a necessary choice when what you have been doing no longer works. When your team becomes disillusioned and dysfunctional. When going to the office just plain sucks.
When call centers and answering services became a commodity it was time for owners to sit back and ask what they needed to do with all their “seats” and employees. One such company decided to change their charge per minute to a new business model – calling to set up sales appointments with potential buyers for their clients. Another company that I worked with decided to be the back office for universities. With agents specializing in programs for different universities, they answered the calls for new students applying for financial aid or applying to register for classes.
Do you know when it’s time to slow down so you can speed up again? And do you and your strategic thinking team have your eye on trends so that you’ll recognize when it’s time to pivot?