A COURAGEOUS CULTURE NEEDS COURAGEOUS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. CXO, YOU GOT THIS!?

CXO YOU ARE AFTER ALL, KNOWN AS A COURAGEOUS INDIVIDUAL & THE CULTURE IS A REFLECTION OF THE LEADERSHIP (PAST AND PRESENT).

Years of expertly-executed reorganizing and cost cutting have recently been exchanged for retooling and future-proofing the company against disruption, uncertainty and change. An increased ability to anticipate, adapt and respond more quickly will drive greater advantage for the organization, keep us healthy and strong for the road ahead.

“WE’RE SAYING & DOING A LOT RE: CHANGE/TRANSFORMATION”

For many months, the board and the CEO have been focused on a more generative and healthier balance of efficiency, velocity, flexibility, long-termism, sustainabla-bla-bla results, strengthening core yada-yada values, human capitabla-bla and clarity of purpose + profit bla-bla-bla. (Even if you believe in these “buzz words” — we all recognize that they can be a trigger/distraction.)

The organization is DOING a lot in the name of change with regard to strategy, vision and business process. And your company has already invested millions in new product development/innovation, agile processes/structures, office design, change management protocol, new internal communication campaigns and many town halls. You even built beautiful digital centers of excellence.

“BUT STILL, TRANSFORMATION ISN’T HAPPENING FAST ENOUGH”

Meanwhile, new competitors are growing rapidly and creating a significant threat. Despite all the changes you have made, the market is telling you that you are not executing fast enough and the transformation is not happening deeply enough. Your brands and digital channels are growing X times slower than your competitors. Even your newer executives, hired from companies that were “born agile and digital” are experiencing surprising difficulties and unexpected blockages from within the organization.