And about that economy...

It's scary! So Halloween is the perfect time to talk about the economy, strategy, and change. Let's take a quick look at what companies are doing - and what they should be doing.

And what are companies doing? Nothing. Everybody is hunkering down, cutting expenses, cancelling critical projects. Is that the right answer? Of course not.

Low expectations makes this exactly the right time to position for the future. It's an opportunity to make tough decisions, implement change, prepare for new and different opportunities.

Think about it from the other side. Once business turns positive again, do you want to take on hard change - or will you need to push "pedal to the metal"? The latter, of course. So if you want to drive the business when times are good but you don't want to tackle the tough, important issues when times are tough - when do you want to deal with them? (Hint: they don't go away on their own....)

Swallow hard, understand that you're making an investment in your future - and go do it. When you're through and on the other side, you'll be much better positioned to take full advantage of future opportunities - and you'll be thrilled to be there. Yes, times are tough, but the time is right...

The Red Zone

A lot of people have said they like the name "RedZone Consulting" - and then ask what it means. So why RedZone? Pick which version works for you:

1) The football team in the red zone is getting close to the goal, but isn't there yet. It's great to get into the red zone, but that's not the goal. The goal is to score, and to win the game.

2) The 'red zone' is the paint in front of the basket. Guard the red zone, score in the red zone, win in the red zone.

3) The red zone is danger. You need to be careful, you need to get control, you need to back it off. Staying in the red zone for too long can blow your engine - and your opportunity to win.

4) The red zone is the bull's eye, the target. Hit the red zone, hit the bull's eye, hit your target.

Do you have another definition of RedZone that resonates with you? I'd like to hear it - please let me know...

All definitions have the core purpose of RedZone Consulting in common: Focus on the real result that's desired, determine what one needs to do to get the result, do it (!) and, accomplish the desired goals.

No, it's not complicated. But it's not easy either. There's a big gap between deciding what you want to do and actually getting it done. But that's a topic for another day....

And we're off...

One of the hardest steps in Strategy Execution is the first one: Starting. Same with a new blog. So, here we go. Step one.

One of my favorite stories is that of the Five Frogs: There are five frogs on a log. Three of them decide to get off. How many are left?

Five. There's a big difference between deciding to do something and actually doing it.

Same with Strategy Execution. There's a big difference between defining a strategy ("deciding to do something") and executing it ("actually doing it").

What is the science and art of Strategy Execution? And why is talking about it worth a blog, much less creation of an industry, tons of research, development of a profession and the expenditure of millions of dollars in the purchase of outside expertise? Because...

- there is a structured process - formal, definable, replicatable - to execute a strategy successfully

- the process can be taught and learned

- executing a strategy is a lot harder than defining a strategy

- executing a strategy successfully is hard to do.

We're going to spend our time thinking about Strategy Execution, and how to reach goals successfully - on time, on budget.

In this economy, at this time, it's going to be tougher than ever. Thanks for joining in on the quest, and being part of the answer.

Join in. Reach your true goals.