How to create a transformational strategy for 2019

How was 2018 for your business? Did you have a great year and achieve all your goals? Or did you just stay afloat? If you would like a more successful year in 2019, now is the time to think about implementing a transformational change strategy.

In the business world, transformational change requires a business making radical changes in their business model, often requiring changes in company structure, culture and management. Companies may undergo transformational change in response to crisis, or in order to re-position themselves in the market. Transformational change also occurs in response to changes in technology, or as companies adapt to take advantage of new business models.

Truth is, when a dramatic shift in consumer behaviour or a new competitor enters the market, transformational change becomes a matter of survival if a business is going to be able to keep up with competition and move forward. As we all know, many business transformations fail. In a recent McKinsey Quarterly survey, only 38% of leaders believed their transformation had a “completely” or “mostly successful” impact on business performance.

There are 3 core parts to achieving a successful, effective transformational strategy. They are:

1. Content of Change
The business focus of the change (structure, strategy, business process, systems, technology, product, or service).

2. People in Change
People’s mind-set, emotional reactions, behaviour, degree of engagement, acceptance, commitment, and cultural dynamics.

3. Process of Change
The way in which change is planned, designed, and implemented, how it unfolds, its road map, governance, and course corrections.

So you want transformational change for your business, where do you start? Here are a few things to consider and think about when creating the business you want:

1. Magic wand time – If you were to achieve the business or personal goals of your dreams, what would that outcome look like? Your business should be able to provide you with the lifestyle and business you desire. Be very specific as you imagine exactly what your outcome would look like in terms of work, health, family, love life, finances, and also in fun.
2. Entry points – These are the means of moving away from the “find it, fix it” modes of solving problems and moving towards the first steps that would advance you towards a new goal. For example, saying “I’ll get fit when my business is thriving and profitable” is a “find it and fix it” approach. But what about finding a way to begin steps in the right direction towards greater health and fitness right away, beginning today?
3. The driving force of your values – What are the values that define you most heavily when you run into a stumbling point or a roadblock? Which ones represent your finest and highest priorities and goals? It is important to use these values as a roadmap for your desired destination, the author maintains.
4. Speedbumps, detours and roadblocks – Many times on the path to dramatic achievements we feel stopped or entirely stuck. These are chances to cast our occurrences into a broader light for further reflection on what these experiences are meant to teach us, and how we can use these obstacles to help us instead of slowing down or preventing our ability to achieve remarkable goals.
5. The power of your vision – The expression “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it” holds strong weight. It is vital to understand exactly what your outcome will look like. Using a Vision Board can be a useful exercise for this. Have you ever sat down and thought about what you really want your business to look like? What do you desire?
6. Acknowledging where the gap is – What is out of alignment that is standing between you and your goal? How could you reconcile this chasm? Instead of fearing or resenting the space between you and your desired achievement, learn to “lean in” to that empty space and take steps, knowing that you will require time and help and even without the exact knowledge of how you are going to get to the goal. Now it becomes achievable. What are your gaps and what can you do to fill them?
7. Software and tools that add value – This one is an important one to consider. There are always ways to be more efficient and effective with your business by having the right software and processes in place. Take your accounts for example – are you able to get the right data and information from them? Are your accounting processes seamless or are they causing you stress? According to Xero, there was a 24.9% growth in New Zealanders getting onto Xero. Image how well your business could do with the right tools in place.

Tip: Use a hybrid model – During a transformational change effort, acceptance hinges on hybrid methods that tailor the tactics and solutions to the people, processes, tools and infrastructure components.

To find out more about how GoFi8ure can help with your internal accounting processes, systems and software requirements, send us a message or call us on 0800 463 488.