Yet.
Imagine a Formula 1 Race (you are the driver & the car is your business).
While you are cruising through the first lap (behind the pace car) you don’t need a lot of support (Phase 1).
But then, they waive the green flag.
You hit the gas and start picking up speed (Phase 2).
Your tires warm up and start gripping the track.
Every ounce of energy you have is focused on driving the car (your business) forward.
You need a second-in-command (crew chief) to monitor performance and alert you to what’s in your blind spots.
The pack starts to separate & you continue picking up speed (Phase 3).
You now need an COO (race engineer) to:
- Be your sounding board for strategic decisions.
- Let you know what’s coming up behind you.
- Support your crew chief as they:
- Monitor performance.
- Watch your blind spots.
- Make sure your team is prepared when you come into the pit for service.
You keep driving, lap after lap.
For many teams (companies) this is it.
They stay in the pack, or they crash & burn after hitting a slick spot on the track.
But you want more.
You want to get out in front, keep running at top speed & WIN the race (Phase 4).
That’s when it’s time to bring in a champion COO (who’s helped other companies trounce the competition) to:
- Shape your vision for success.
- Guide strategy development.
- Do everything mentioned above.
Expecting your car (company) to go from 0 to top speed instantly –
is a recipe for disaster.
It leads to engine trouble (jumbled operations), spin outs (missed deadlines), costly pit stops (staff turnover), and wrecks (losing clients, unable to make payroll).
Instead, take the time to build up speed (move through the phases) strategically,
so you you hit top speed, get out in front, and feel the rush when you win.
Niki Lauda, 1976 German Grand Prix (Photo credit: my Dad)
