The Oyster, the Grain of Sand, and the Pearl

It’s funny how a metaphor suddenly appears and yet is so obvious you wonder what took you so long to see it.

Over the last month, I’ve taken to joking that the name of my consulting firm should be changed to Oyster Consulting, because “We’re the grain of sand that irritates the hell out of everyone, but when we’re done, you’ve got a pearl.”

It’s amazing how true that is. 

Significant strategic change is never easy.  People resist, no matter how clear it is that the change is needed and it’s the right thing to do.  People are more comfortable with the Status Quo.

And because of that, change won’t happen without getting people out of their comfort zone. It is only then that people will be willing to move in the new direction.  Thus, the need for that grain of sand.  That grain of sand is so irritating, it makes people uncomfortable – uncomfortable enough to change.

Being the grain of sand from within an organization is career threatening.  Once the process is done, people won’t remember the benefit you delivered – they’ll just remember that you were really irritating.  That’s why bringing in the grain of sand from outside can be so valuable.  That outside grain can help irritate people, make change happen, and then leave. All that’s left behind is that beautiful pearl.

Let your voice be heard!

Here's a link to RedZone Consulting's Successful Strategy Execution survey: http://xrl.us/bfy2tw. It's very brief - only 10 multiple choice questions.

The survey is anonymous - you don't need to provide any personally identifiable information. Please note that the survey is targeted at companies that have to execute important initiatives - if you're a consultant, put your "internal" hat on, please. (I'm well aware that many consulting firms suffer from "shoemaker's children syndrome.")

Please take the survey, and then come back here in a few weeks for the results. Even better, send an email to gregg.bedol@redzoneconsulting.com, and I'll send the results directly to you.

We've just opened the survey and, I can tell you already, the early returns are fascinating! Stay tuned!

Way Too Long

Have I been the only one who has dropped the ball lately (on my blog, that is)? Sorry! So, here are a few miscellaneous thoughts.

1. Do you still believe it's a crock that you can influence people in a designed way to change their behavior? Check this out: http://xrl.us/bfs44c.

2. Does performance in the Red Zone really matter? Take a look at the press surrounding yesterday's Atlanta Falcons/Chicago Bears game: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20091018001&prov=ap.

3. A very smart person recently said to me: "I can change your behavior so that eventually you will change your mind much quicker and easier than I can change your mind so that you will eventually change your behavior." Think about it....

It's a roller-coaster out there. Hang on.

Blogger's Block

It happens to the best of us - and it certainly has happened to me. Blogger's Block - that state when it is impossible to find something to write. Interestingly, Blogger's Block is like a lot of other blocks - if you attack it when it first appears, it's pretty easy to knock down and get past. But if you delay, put it off, avoid - guess what happens? That block gets bigger and more intimidating. Next thing you know, it's overwhelming. Weeks go by. No blog gets written. And there's a chance that the block will become permanent.

Yes, this story has parallels in the world of Strategy Execution. (Now, there's a surprise). When working to accomplish your goals, it is inevitable that hurdles will emerge - unexpected, real, significant and challenging. And, just like with Blogger's Block, those hurdles need to be attacked and overcome. They won't go away on their own and, if you don't knock them down, they will keep you from reaching your true goals.

Blogger's Block - attacked and conquered. At least for today... Stay tuned.