If there is one thing that has really been obvious to me recently, is the need for Leadership to be abreast of ‘What’s happening around them?’. Awareness of changed competitive landscapes, awareness of changed production environments, awareness of changed employee and customer needs.
Extended at an Executive level, awareness of how are the needs of Boards are changing. Awareness of globailisation (The world is flat), awareness of Technology innovation and the impact on your business.
Most businesses are very focused on daily operational issues. Delivering the numbers! So what are your tactics to keep in touch with changing critical concepts that may affect your business?
Some companies are doing this by ensuring specific strategic topics appear as monthly part of management meetings. A few Leaders are setting KPI’s where Senior Managers are goaled with attending specific industry events and reporting back industry trends.
Another key factor emerging recently is the need for Senior Management to spend some time participating in online discussion groups. The objective being to gain insights and develop the thought leadership status in the industry.
Advisory Boards are proving to be exceptionally useful, where specialist skills challenge existing paradigms. Internally, well run regular employee forums will provide terrific access to ‘what’s happening’ creating visibility for Management regarding potential threats and opportunities.
How would rate your ‘awareness meter’?
Regards
Colin
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