Flavor of the Month…Again

It works great for ice cream shops, but not for business.  Flavors of the month create cynicism and lower morale.  Change is necessary for the success of any organization, but too much change or (even more detrimental) change for the sake of change can have the opposite effect.

Signs you are touting the next FOTM.

1. You just read an inspiring article or went to a seminar and are eager to implement what you learned.
2. You still haven’t seen the results of your current program.
3. Your current program is younger than 3 years old.
4. People still don’t understand what you are trying to accomplish.
5. You are describing your current program but just using a different vocabulary.

Methods on not getting caught up in the hype.

1. Give the existing program time.  Just because you aren’t seeing the results now doesn’t mean that you won’t.  Do a reality check and make sure you are staying true to what you have in place and that the system is being used to its full potential.  It is likely that you have drifted off course and simply need a tune-up, not an overhaul.
2. Let your ideas mature.  Don’t get caught up in the newest fad.  Most programs are based in similar ideas and are just a different way of looking at it.  A shirt is still a shirt even if you call it a blouse, top, chemise, or tee.  The function is the same.  Focus on function, not frill.
3. Look at your progress.  If you are seeing gains, stay the course.  The program is working.  That’s not to say it couldn’t be doing better, but you can work to enhance the program without gutting it.
4. Talk to people.  Do they get what you are trying to accomplish?  If the organization understands the reasons for the program then you are winning.  Let them pull the program in the right direction rather than you pushing it.  Create that shift of power and your program will rapidly accelerate.

Keep your goals simple and make sure the organization is all in step with the nature of the program.  So what if people aren’t saying the right phrases, that will come with time.  Do they understand what they are trying to accomplish and how to do so?   Make sure that your people are the cornerstone of your program and they will make sure it succeeds for you.