I want to pick your brains on something that not many people dare to discuss or make firm statements on. I direct the question to all change agents, improvement leaders, business development experts, people whose role is to deliver on change opportunities to support the business growth.

Where do you draw the line when it comes to making decisions that can affect your business or the business that employs you? Experience, common sense or company procedures?

Before you answer, let me tease you with a few questions. No judging here!

Have you ever had to pass on a great business opportunity due to formalities standing in the way?

Have you ever experienced frustration and exasperation caused by bureaucracy killing potential change that could take the company to the next level?

Have you ever wondered why the resistance comes from the last place you would expect it to be? Your own company?

Business driven by producers – is that a real thing?

Let’s assume that you do not have the ultimate decision-making power in the business, and all your change proposals have to go through some approval mechanism.

Here are a few examples you may find familiar:

1. Proposal to buy more reliable parts at a higher cost to reduce the number of customer complaints
2. Change of the supplier with no direct cost-saving but better customer service and contract flexibility
3. Investment in process automation to improve yield and reduce product failure rate with ROI > 6 months

You are the expert who comes with a wealth of experience in driving change, network of connections and track record of successful projects. And BANG! Suddenly there are millions of reasons why this cannot be done.

• Legal needs time to review it
• We need to involve more people
• Why are we doing this anyway?
• Three months? Impossible!
• We are not paying a penny more for that!

Add to the list if you wish.

What I am asking you is this – what is the golden formula, a successful mix of experience, common sense and company procedures to ensure changes are made effectively and at the right time?

Please comment below.

Enjoy your day!