According to renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell, momentum is valuable to organizational success and is "the difference between winning and losing. Likewise, leadership expert Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, described the “Flywheel Effect,” where small, aligned, consistent efforts compound over time to create unstoppable momentum and sustained growth. Entrepreneurs and business leaders know that building momentum is critical for:
Financial performance and growth — the money
Customer acquisition and retention — the customers
Employee engagement and productivity — the people
Market perception and brand strength — the market
However, the challenge arises when choices need to be made in an uncertain future—when circumstances are extraordinary, when the risks are significant, and when the consequences can be immediate and severe.
Below are some thoughts on how to courageously choose momentum despite the unknowns.
Leverage the Data
Embrace the data, but don’t insist on having the complete data set.
Analysis paralysis is REAL and to be avoided!
Track and measure key indicators and revise plans to ensure progress.
The correct data measured diligently will help a company align with its true north.
Research past successes and failures to make measured projections.
Learnings from yesterday will help execute today and strategically plan for tomorrow.
Leverage technology to optimize scenario planning.
Plan for the best “what-ifs” by leveraging technology and rich data sets.
Serve the Customers and the Team
Partner with customers to deliver on current and projected needs.
What the (paying) customer wants is much more critical than what cool tech can do!
Motivate, empower, and inspire your people to engage and contribute fully.
The people are the lifeblood of any business. You can’t make money, serve customers, and address a market need without them.
Recruit a diverse and collaborative team to help brainstorm, plan, and execute goals.
Integrating a creative range of perspectives with energized and cooperative stakeholders will increase your likelihood of success.
Build Momentum with Intention
Expect to fail sometimes, but recover quickly and learn from the failure.
Failure might set you back sometimes, but complacency will always set you back.
Err on the side of measured action based on logical assumptions drawn from rich data sources.
Connect and communicate with an ecosystem of stakeholders and focus on collaboratively driving momentum.
Align stakeholders behind the momentum, which will differentiate you in the market.
Follow these guidelines, but take a chance, make a choice, and choose an action.
History will note which companies and leaders choose momentum at a time when everyone is timid and uncertain. They will be the companies in the market with the most money, the best customers, and the happiest people.