WE’VE ALWAYS DONE IT THAT WAY

As I navigate various roles, companies, and industries, it has taken me years to develop the emotional intelligence to appreciate that sticking to established methods can be perfectly acceptable!

Viewing this phrase through a different lens, it often signifies stability and reliability in leadership, and established practices really can lay a solid foundation for success. In my fractional and consulting roles, I’ve come to recognize the value of this mindset as a springboard for growth.

A prime example occurred this week with a client who has well-defined cash flow management practices and strict budgeting processes. Their consistent approach has enabled them to weather economic fluctuations and numerous challenges over the years.

While I’ve learned a lot of best practices throughout my journey, the saying “don’t fix what ain’t broke” resonates strongly. Instead of overhauling their methods, we introduced some iterative improvements to optimize their cash flow forecasting. This has now preserved their financial discipline while enhancing their responsiveness to revenue changes, ultimately boosting their financial stability and confidence in decision-making.

The obvious question…

• What is currently being changed and why?
• Could you get away with just tweaking it slightly?
• Are your energies better served elsewhere in the organisation?
• What are the risks of the change, and will they ultimately bring the upside needed?

Maybe… just maybe… a change in narrative is needed.

“We’ve always done it that way… and that’s okay.”