Your organization may be a well managed, smooth running machine, but if you are following the same guidance and business model that you have had for the last 20 years… it might be time for an upgrade.
There is a well-deserved sense of pride associated with an organization or facility that has lasted for “decades” and is still going strong. This may be particularly true if your company is a “one-owner” that has been raised from infancy by a single leader or a small board. Be sure that you recognize the effort and energy that has been put into the business up to this point. Flatter those who have taken care of the organization/facility/equipment and kept it performing.
But old cars require a lot of care. They require special treatment, and may need a level of attention and energy that could be used elsewhere. Is your organization spending more energy in trying to repair and maintain the car than it is on actually getting down the road? Are you failing to take advantage of new technologies and updated business models that your competitors may be using to their advantage?
Here is an example of how i used this example at one point when proposing a cleanroom renovation to our corporate leadership team: cleanroom longterm plans
Take care when climbing into a new vehicle. Make sure it is the right fit for you. Will you choose a fast, flashy sports car that will turn heads and gain more attention? Would a sedan with updated technology and a smooth, efficient ride make more sense for you? Or do you need a pick-up truck with a high towing capacity?
Consider extended expenses associated with changing “vehicles”, such as down-time in production, training costs, etc. Prepare your organization and investors to dedicate time and resources necessary to implement tools and resources that will bring you up to speed and allow you to jump ahead of your competition. You will undoubtedly discover new features, capabilities, and efficiency that would never have been possible in “the ‘ol stang!”
Obviously not an Audi… but very impressive…
business confab 