Tradition is not a Strategy

In business, tradition is a terrible reason to do something.

“That’s the way we’ve always done it” is not an effective evaluation of strategy. And don’t even get me started on “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. (To summarize my view on this: always consider fixing it, there might be a better way to do things).

To avoid complacency setting into your business management, ensure you regularly question your methods and techniques.

When working with clients on their strategy or process, I use a series of questions meant to extract true meaning behind a manager’s choices. I employ a system of Descriptive, Analytical, and then Speculative questioning to achieve this.

You can do the same for your own business.

Descriptive questions

Start by asking yourself what you do in various business areas or business scenarios.

Compile a proper list of your preferred solutions or courses of action. This step describes what you have in place now.

Analytical questions

Now, as the title says, analyze those answers.

Why do you do things this way? How was the decision made? What information was used in making this choice?

Speculative questions

And finally, the “what if…” questions.

Speculate as to what would happen if you made changes.

What if instead of doing X, you did A? What if something unexpected happens outside of your control?

Innovation is about improvement

Always be prepared to evaluate what you are doing and how you are doing it, and be open to improvement or even new ideas.

Don’t let tradition run your business. Just because something worked yesterday, you have no assurance it is as effective today.

Do you need a review of your own business practices? Contact me for a deep dive consult.