Comments on: We too can beat the odds! http://njhessassociates.com/blog/2010/03/10/we-too-can-beat-the-odds/ Musings of an organization consultant Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:36:46 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: admin http://njhessassociates.com/blog/2010/03/10/we-too-can-beat-the-odds/comment-page-1/#comment-1793 admin Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:39:27 +0000 http://njhessassociates.com/blog/?p=240#comment-1793 Mark, thanks for your insightful comments. A sudden shift demand seems like a good kind of crisis if it actually means the need for more human capital, or at least we frame it that way in the business world, but underneath, the "linear" principles play out and the inability to adapt, even to an upswing, will stifle the best organization. I can visualize the metaphor you offer, there is a difference between someone who jumps in and starts barking orders, without clear direction, and the person who sees beyond the horizon (which is after all, looks to be far away, but is really only 12 miles or so) and prepares the crew. Mark, thanks for your insightful comments. A sudden shift demand seems like a good kind of crisis if it actually means the need for more human capital, or at least we frame it that way in the business world, but underneath, the “linear” principles play out and the inability to adapt, even to an upswing, will stifle the best organization. I can visualize the metaphor you offer, there is a difference between someone who jumps in and starts barking orders, without clear direction, and the person who sees beyond the horizon (which is after all, looks to be far away, but is really only 12 miles or so) and prepares the crew.

]]> By: Mark A. Griffin http://njhessassociates.com/blog/2010/03/10/we-too-can-beat-the-odds/comment-page-1/#comment-1769 Mark A. Griffin Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:23:09 +0000 http://njhessassociates.com/blog/?p=240#comment-1769 Great article Nancy, I have worked in both environments, cyclical and linear. I believe a lot of the environment climate is related to the goals and objectives of the organization coupled with the life cycles of its goods and or services, but most importantly reflects the values and leadership capability of the organizations senior management. Often times companies fall into the linear model because of a shift in demand, and a lack of Human Capital to address this shift, they go into crisis mode as a means to survive. I believe it is imperative for leadership to infuse cyclical principles into the organization to both inspire employees and to spark innovation; linear employees are often stuck in the headlights and will ultimately assist the company in spiraling further downward. I believe the most important take away is to be aware of where you are, and how might shift and encourage behaviors to help guide the organization in the direction you want to go. Often times leaders fail to look closely at their organizations environment and just jump right in at guiding the boat! Great article Nancy, I have worked in both environments, cyclical and linear. I believe a lot of the environment climate is related to the goals and objectives of the organization coupled with the life cycles of its goods and or services, but most importantly reflects the values and leadership capability of the organizations senior management. Often times companies fall into the linear model because of a shift in demand, and a lack of Human Capital to address this shift, they go into crisis mode as a means to survive. I believe it is imperative for leadership to infuse cyclical principles into the organization to both inspire employees and to spark innovation; linear employees are often stuck in the headlights and will ultimately assist the company in spiraling further downward.

I believe the most important take away is to be aware of where you are, and how might shift and encourage behaviors to help guide the organization in the direction you want to go. Often times leaders fail to look closely at their organizations environment and just jump right in at guiding the boat!

]]> By: Yaron Prywes http://njhessassociates.com/blog/2010/03/10/we-too-can-beat-the-odds/comment-page-1/#comment-1355 Yaron Prywes Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:07:59 +0000 http://njhessassociates.com/blog/?p=240#comment-1355 Great blog Nancy! Glad I found it. Great blog Nancy! Glad I found it.

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