Reflections on IBM’s CEO Study: Immediacy
The 2010 IBM Global CEO Study, entitled "Capitalizing on Complexity" provides some remarkable insights into the minds of 1500 CEOs from around the world.
Today's topic: Immediacy
Excerpt from the Study:
"CEOs told us that the new mandate is immediacy. It is no longer sufficient to think, manage or delegate based on traditional time horizons or strategic planning cycles. Both new threats and emerging opportunities require an ability to see around corners, predict outcomes where possible,
act despite some uncertainty, and then start all over again.
"In an environment in which margins for error are shrinking to near nil,CEOs recognize that they can no longer afford the luxury of protracted study and review before making choices. In our conversations, CEOs said they are learning to respond swiftly with new ideas to address the deep changes affecting their organizations.to be a catalyst for creativity."
Statistically, a majority of CEOs are, what we call in the DrawSuccess world "Green Geniuses" whose motto is "Just Do It – Now." Not much grass grows under the feet of Green CEOs.
The challenge is that it's often difficult to move an organization to move quickly. Even when you see an iceberg ahead, it's tough to move the Titanic in time.
But without quick change, many of today's large companies could go the way of the famous ship.
The study continues:
"ultimately the leader who must take the stand against common wisdom, break though legacy inertia, and bring along the team."
But "bringing along the team" can be easier said than done. Without employee ownership and engagement, a leader is powerless to affect change. They need to know that not everyone on the team a Green Genius. The Red, Blue and Gold Geniuses have a totally different view of change and risk than the Greens do. And even other Green Geniuses need to get aligned in the same direction and focus on the same goal or they're likely to be taking risks and making changes in divergent directions!
Knowing the Inner Genius Styles before taking action is crucial. But, by aligning communication and stimulating engagement will not only create ownership, it can significantly increase the team's ability to act quickly.
To learn how DrawSuccess can increase immediacy, Contact Us.
To request a copy of the 2010 IBM Global CEO Study, go to: http://www-935.ibm.com/services/us/ceo/ceostudy2010/index.html.
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