Getting out of a crisis is difficult and requires extraordinary measures and great efforts from a company and its people. Leading a company is no easy task as it involves a good deal of roles to take care of.
Performing as a leader is one thing. Being an example to your subordinates will be another. Given the works at hand, leading a company out of a crisis is not for everyone. Here are 5 tips for you to try or settle for a turnaround situation.
1. Identify (and Solve) The Problem(s)
How do you know that your company is in trouble? Depending on the situation, there are multiple signs a company is in trouble. For example, a high turnover is one of them. Most of the time, troubled companies are dealing with multiple signs or problems at the same time, caused by internal and external factors interacting together.
Identifying these signs and solving the underlying problems is one of the things you should do first when you strive to lead a company out of a crisis. Once acknowledged, start to address issues by looking at the underlying causes of such problems, and as much as you can, deal with it as fast as possible.
Before you can move forward with anything else about the business, you have to first identify what your problems are, how you can deal with it, and plan quickly. You cannot solve a problem which you have not identified yet. That is why the very first step in solving a problem is to determine it. Once you do, this is the only time you can move forward with a resolution.
2. Find (and Retain) Talented People
One small positive of a crisis it that there’s opportunity to find the next level of talent in an organisation. While managing a team out of turmoil, you should look beyond the leadership team for people with institutional knowledge. They know all the ins and outs of the company and are essential to realising the impact of potential changes on the business.
Be aware though, in many cases, they are the dissatisfied ones, unhappy with the company’s performance. But because of this, they are willing to point out the painful truths – and that’s just what needs to be done on the road to leading a company out of a crisis.
You should also keep an eye out for people that want to add value and impact. In most cases, you won’t find these people sitting around the table at the beginning, but two or even three levels down – waiting for an opportunity to be part of something greater than themselves.
Know who to trust and filter information that you need to disclose or keep from every individual you engage with in the business. This way, you will have a channeled communication.
Concentrate On Cash
In general, the board and management of most companies focus on long-term metrics like turnover. There is nothing wrong with that, but unpleasant surprises are waiting when no one is concentrating on cash, especially during a crisis. So, the opposite needs to be done to keep a company financially healthy.
Some business owners may rely on payday loans direct lenders. However, the best way to approach this is by identifying what investments are making cash and those which are burning cash. By doing so, you can bring business back to its fundamental element of success.
This makes it easier to see the actions needed to get back on track in terms of cash flow and steer out of the crisis you’re in. Focus on your finances and understand how the cash flow behaves. This will enable you to predict business growth while at the same time you learn about how likely you will end a certain fiscal period. Are you earning or you are losing? Take it from there.
Treat Every Turnaround Like A Crisis
Most companies without a crisis mindset, react the same to change they focus on avoiding risks, and therefore they take small steps instead of leaps to get something done. There’s nothing wrong with this approach in a normal situation, but when in a real crisis, significant action is needed.
Companies that treat every turnaround like a crisis and thus have that crisis mindset are willing to try the bold things that could change the trajectory of a company. No business is perfect. Along the way, you will meet variety of problems, and your resilience in resolving them matters.
The more open-minded you are in whatever issues related to the business that would come along the way, the more likely you will thrive in the industry. Never expect seamless transactions as there will always be hindrances. You will always meet obstacles during the process but addressing them will be all you ever need to do.
Look In The Mirror And Take Responsibility
The best thing you can do to avoid distress is to periodically review your business and its plans to see how the company is doing. It is important to take a level of responsibility for your company and people to ensure it survives crisis. Even when the blame for crisis is out of your control, such as Covid, it is still your responsibility as a business owner to adapt and change business processes, while nurturing the wellbeing of your team.
If, as a result, you’re not moving with – or outpacing – the rest of the industry, then your business plan and actions may be outdated Finally: don’t forget to look back at your business performance over the past to identify any trends.
If you keep missing targets, ask why and most of all: be critical. You are entirely responsible of your business. You will be the one to receive the praises when your business becomes successful. And you will take all the blame should worse comes to worst. It will all be up to you. Hence, take responsibility. That, and you will be good to go.
