Matthew Curtis
20/20 Vision.... Planning for 2020
I am sure that there will be plenty of us making connections between the year 2020, and having 20/20 vision - a measure of clarity of eyesight over a distance of 20ft.
Often when we talk about 20/20 vision in respect of planning or decision making it can be to rationalise things that didn't work out so well due to unforeseen factors... we say things like "it's easy to have 20/20 vision in hindsight"
At the time of writing we are about to enter Q4 of 2019. Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguity (VUCA) levels are at levels that many business leaders & managers have never experienced before. The UK & EU are on or not on the cusp of a new relationship, the Middle East seems to be on the brink again, whilst China & the USA are in the midst of a trade war.
UK employment is at joint highest levels since records began, levels of vacancies are also running at high levels & pay is increasing quicker than inflation, great news if you are keen to capture customers extra disposable income, but more of a challenge in the battle to attract new talent into your business.
It's also true to say that the UK & the UK is far from alone in this has a productivity challenge.
Productivity has been flatlining, since the financial crisis, of 269,250 businesses formed in the UK in 2012 only 43% made it to 5 years old. (Source ONS)
What does it all mean?
If you are planning ahead for 2020, taking a simplistic incremental view to your revenue and costs might not be good enough, what if their is a further attack on Middle East oil production, what might a no-deal Brexit, delayed Brexit or no Brexit mean for your business, not only in terms of your ability to access raw materials or move goods across borders but what about accessing talent?
If salary expectations rise above inflation, what can you do to address your own productivity challenges? Can you create more with the team you have already? can you engage them more fully so they are less likely to be tempted away by a competitor with deeper pockets?
What can you do?
This year is the perfect opportunity to take a holistic view to your planning, utilise the data hidden in your CRM and ERP systems, harness the knowledge of your people & customers. Scan both the external horizon but also take a look inwards at your people, processes & resources to make sure they are being developed to overcome your productivity challenges, making your business not only one of the survivors but a top performer.
Where can I get some help?
M4C Consulting, Coaching & Training can help you on the journey to not only creating your 2020 vision, but in engaging your teams in the process to get their commitment rather than compliance. Support can extend throughout the communication, launch and implementation phases as required.
How do I find out more?
To arrange a chat about how M4C can help your business call 0191 8107170 or 0208 0580046 alternatively email Take-off@m4cltd.com M4C Consulting Coaching & Training
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2020-visionare-you-making-your-plans-matthew-curtis
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In today’s dynamic business landscape, the need for flexible, expert leadership is more critical than ever. Enter the fractional director—a seasoned executive who brings not just valuable skills, deep industry experience, and strategic insight, but also the much-needed capacity to get things done. At M4C Ltd, we believe that fractional directors are the secret weapon for businesses ready to accelerate growth and drive meaningful change. The Dual Value Proposition of Fractional Directors Expertise That Transforms Strategy Fractional directors come equipped with years of experience from diverse sectors. Their wealth of knowledge helps businesses to.. Develop Clear Strategies: They offer an external perspective that cuts through internal noise, crafting clear, actionable strategies. Identify Growth Opportunities: With a keen eye for emerging trends, they can pinpoint opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. Guide Critical Decision-Making: Their informed advice ensures that every strategic move is backed by data and real-world insights. Hands-On Execution: Bringing Capacity to Your Team While many leaders provide excellent advice, fractional directors are unique in their commitment to execution. They don’t just set the direction—they work as part of your team to make progress happen.. Bridging the Gap: They act as a critical link between high-level strategy and day-to-day operations, ensuring that plans are not just designed but effectively implemented. Immediate Impact: With the ability to hit the ground running, fractional directors offer an immediate boost in capacity, helping your business to overcome operational bottlenecks and speed up project timelines. Cost-Effective Leadership: By engaging fractional directors, companies gain access to top-tier expertise without the overhead of a full-time executive salary. This model is particularly beneficial for SMEs and growing businesses that need robust leadership without breaking the bank. Real-World Success: Making Strategy Work Consider the case of businesses that have partnered with fractional directors during times of transition or rapid growth. These leaders have been instrumental in.. Streamlining Operations: By re-engineering processes, they enable teams to work more efficiently. Driving Revenue Growth: Their strategic interventions have often resulted in measurable improvements in sales and market penetration. Enhancing Team Morale: By providing clear direction and hands-on support, they empower teams to tackle challenges confidently and collaboratively. Why does M4C Champion the Fractional Director Model? Our commitment is to help businesses not just dream big but also achieve their ambitions. We recognize that the modern business environment demands agile, responsive leadership that can balance high-level strategy with day-to-day operational needs. Our fractional directors are dedicated to.. Partnering: We integrate seamlessly with your existing processes to ensure that every strategy is actionable. Focusing on Measurable Outcomes: From boosting efficiency to driving revenue, our focus is on delivering results that matter. Empowering Your Business: By augmenting your leadership capacity, we ensure that you’re never alone in navigating complex challenges. The Bottom Line: Ready, Set, Execute! If your business is ready to unlock new levels of growth and efficiency, it’s time to consider the power of fractional directors. They don’t just offer advice—they roll up their sleeves and work with you to get things done. Let’s turn strategic plans into tangible results together.