Individuals and organizations who want to advance will often embark on several initiatives to improve performance and make progress. It is a phenomenon even more prevalent with failing organizations. In an attempt for a turnaround, they will set out to do many tasks or even undertake multiple new initiatives all at once.
Regardless of win or fail, we rarely understand the reasons for the outcome. Simply, because how can we know which factor contributed to the success or demise? It is relevant also when designing new products or making process improvements. What is the relevant element of change?
If we instead initiate change, one at a time, we can quickly determine whether it was a success or a failure. Only then can we proceed with absolute certainty to the next step knowing how we have made progress to date, both win or loss, for knowing each is progress.
While it may sound impressive that we are initiating many changes or actions at once, we may find that the answers we seek will not present themselves, and we’ll be none the wiser.
Possibly the adage of less is more, is what is essential and wise.
