Last year, we had projects that went over budget, zombied projects that stalled in our clients’ hands, and several other operational mishaps. Because of this, our team has spent this year’s weekly meetings discussing operational improvements.
I remember a time when I was our project manager and the only one who developed SOP’s. The systems I created worked well and I was proud of them. In the intervening time, I hired a couple different project managers and added clients and staff. We stopped using some of my systems and tried alternatives. Eventually, things ended up in a half-baked state.
As I’ve considered that gradual change from functional to dysfunctional systems, what I’ve noticed is this:
Entropy prevails.
It’s true of business and it’s true of life. Things fall apart. The world comes together and then it degrades. It’s a dynamic cycle, a flowing of seasons. The dance of Yin and Yang.
Nothing we create is permanent. If something is to cross the passage of years it must degrade and be renewed.
In business, that will be your operations, team, product, marketing, customers, position, and your vision. In other words: everything.
Renewal is literally to make new again (re new.) To come at it with fresh ideas, fresh inspiration, fresh questions. Keeping what worked from the old and bringing new life to it.
What in your business, needs to be made new again if you’re to thrive?
It’s a good question for spring.
Featured image is Aurora (1621) by Guercino. Used under public domain.