How do you know if it is the right time to invest more purposefully in achieving your longterm business objectives? Crossing the large divide from ‘later’ to ‘now’ can be a daunting decision when it comes to hiring external support from a strategist, coach or consultant.  Far too often, business leaders make the decision to keep waiting out of fear of the unknown.  If you or your leadership team are making any of these statements, it is time to re-evaluate moving ‘later’ to ‘now’, today.

STATEMENT:  “We need to get some things organized first.”  

FEEDBACK: Although it may be accurate that the business requires more organization, one of the most popular forms of procrastination is organizing or cleaning.  It is a popular form of distraction from the task at hand because the procrastinator still has the benefit of feeling productive while they avoid the larger task at hand.  Procrastination and distraction from your objectives still keeps you from achieving the business goals.

STATEMENT:  “It’s a really busy time for us right now; we should wait until things are quieter.”

FEEDBACK: Congratulations on your success, sincerely.  It is likely that the ongoing busyness you are experiencing is more about your team being over-capacity due to either a) inefficient systems; b) growth; c) inconsistent revenue cycles or d) limited training and tools for team members.  The resolution to this kind of busy time is not to wait it out because the risk of waiting is actually a decline in business and a marred reputation due to lessening service quality.

STATEMENT:  “We want to get through this transition before we get started.”

FEEDBACK: A healthy business is always in some sort of transition.  The questions business leaders should be gaining support in answering are a) is this the right transition? b) are we optimizing this transition? c) what comes next and how can we proactively start to prepare?  In the midst of all these questions being answered, wouldn’t it be great to be supported in making this transition happen smoothly?!

STATEMENT:  “We need to hire a good administrator instead so the work can get done.”

FEEDBACK: A good administrator is an invaluable addition to any team.  The reason to hire another one is often a good justification to avoid hiring external support. Unfortunately, in order to set up a new administrator to be effective in their role, there are strategic and operational decisions that need to be made, and systems integrated.  The choice to choose admin support over strategic support ironically creates the reverse of the intended outcome.

STATEMENT:  “I’m not coachable/teachable.” 

FEEDBACK: It is simply not true.  It may feel true.  In fact, previous experiences may even back up the theory.  At ALL Strategy, the customized approach to integrating change without major shifts is one that has disproven this statement multiple times.  Knowing what motivates a leader and how that leader operate their business is essential to determining how to best support them in achieving their business objectives.

What are some other objections to making the decision NOW?  If there are no other hold backs, connect with an ALL Strategy team member to consider whether the ALL Strategy Customized Program or RESULTS Program may be a fit for your business and your leadership style.