Are You Challenging the Process?

As leaders we seek challenges and accept opportunities to test our abilities, to exceed our limits. At least we should. Challenge is the opportunity for greatness. Many people are at their best when there is a chance to change the way things are done. Maintaining the status quo breeds boredom and mediocrity for individuals and organizations.

We need to encourage innovation. We should be looking for ways to improve our work and our organization. We must be open to listening to the ideas of others.

Challenging the process means experimenting and taking risks. Mistakes will happen and that is okay, as long as we learn from them. When we try something new, there will be added stress and uncertainty. Help yourself and others through these challenging times. Reward people for taking on stressful and important tasks. Stay upbeat and acknowledge your successes--not just the liabilities. And ensure your people are empowered to make change by demonstrating you’ll work with them rather than going around them or over their heads.

“There ain’t no rules around here! We’re trying to accomplish something!” Thomas Edison

Where Do New Ideas Come From?
Most of us can identify when things are working well, however, figuring out how to change something isn’t always simple. Or is it? Most of us are convinced that our problems are unique to our business, our industry, etc. Truth be told, the probability that someone else has experienced the same or similar problem in your industry, or in an entirely different industry, is extremely high. So where can you find those new ideas and solutions?

• Look beyond your office. Get out and talk to customers, employees, and suppliers, attend networking events that are industry specific, or speak to a group of your peers.

• Step outside of the boundaries. It is easy to let the daily routines get in the way of seeing a great idea. A fresh perspective from a different view can often turn on the light bulb.

What Can You Do To Challenge the Process?
Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

• Choose one routine task, and do it as if for the first time. Ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Does it have to be done this way?

• Find something that is broken and fix it.

• Encourage everyone to set up little experiments in improving their work. Start a “wacky idea of the week” award and give it to someone who made an interesting experiment (even if it failed) and who learned something.

• Collect new ideas from everyone. Start an idea club. Ask everyone on the team to come with one new idea to improve the teams’ performance.

• Reward risk takers. Praise them. Give them silly prizes. Have them share their experiences and lessons.

• If you don’t understand a policy or process, ask why. “Just because …” is not an acceptable answer. If there isn’t a good explanation, change it!

• Tell everyone about the worst mistake you ever made and what you learned.

It Can’t Be Done!
Challenging the process means initiating change and often means taking on some things that others believe are not worth the time or energy. A few examples include

• This “telephone” has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. Western Union internal memo, 1876.

• A cookie store is a bad idea. Besides, the market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make. Response to Debbi Fields’ idea of starting Mrs. Fields’ Cookies.

• The wireless music box has no imaginable value. David Sarnoff’s associates in response to his urging them for investments in the radio.

Now this may sound difficult but the rewards are significant. Clients of mine that have "challenged the process" have found great rewards, particularly during the current economic climate. They have found new and complimentary markets, found ways to improve productivity, find cost savings, and get the right people in the right roles within the organization. I'm not saying that this is easy, most change isn't, but challenge yourself and your company. You'll be glad you did. Let me know about your changes!

Giving to Get From Your Network

As a general rule I make every effort to stay in front of my network on a regular basis. I do this by attending networking events, scheduling breakfast, coffee, lunch, cocktails, a phone call whatever works to catch up with the people who I want (and like) to help. You just never know what people are up to and the only way to find out is to ask. This is also a great way to keep your finger on the barometer of the community as you can ask your network what they are seeing in the economy or your industry.

Of course, you never know when you will need your network. I will often contact my network looking for people with specific skills that I may need or more importantly that I can refer to my TAB Members of other clients. Asking for business leads is always a good thing too. But it is also important to be able to give back to your network by providing them with referrals or help. In the long run, this always pays off in some way shape or form!

Yesterday, I was catching up with someone and as it turned out both of us had a lot to share with one another - personally and professionally. One of the outcomes of the conversation is that I was asked to do a webinar for an event coming up this fall. Why is this a big deal - well first of all I am helping to make an event, the Angel Capital Summit, successful! I am giving back to my network. Second, it is great exposure for me and The Alternative Board - Denver West as I get to talk about something that I have expertise in (building advisory boards). It promotes my brand and builds credibility.

Most people go to networking events to get leads. If this is your goal, most likely you will not have success initially. Networks take time to be developed. You need to get involved, nurture the relationships and give back to the people who are part of your network. This will allow people to get to know you, your leadership and management style, and your company. Mostly people want to get to know "you". Building the relationships builds the networks so that when you need help you can go and ask your network for the appropriate introductions.

Commit to attending at least two networking events per month (or whatever makes sense for you). Go regularly so people have a chance to get to know you. Find an organization that you believe in and volunteer (this does not need to be business related). You will feel good about what you are doing and start building a great network.

Remember, your network won't be able to help much with referrals or other opportunities unless you stay in front of them and give them reason to help you!