“Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It’s a journey of discovery. There are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair.”
-Rick Warren
The economy in 2018 is marked by a lot of optimism by business leaders large and small. Survey after survey says that CEOs see growth opportunities through organic growth, opportunistic mergers and acquisitions, or new partnerships in the coming year.
While a majority believe growth is possible, many don’t have a path to achieve it. The execution of a plan is something that is highlighted in a recent book called Fit for Growth by PwC. It highlights a 10 step process to execute on growth opportunities. I believe the principles hold true for those that lead nonprofits, government and academic organizations as well. These steps are a great reminder of the work and preparation it takes to achieve and sustain growth over the long-term.
How do I energize my organization for transformation?
- Make the case for change
- Align the top
- Declare a “new day” and grant amnesty for the past
- Showcase quick wins
How do I achieve cost fitness while also enabling growth?
- Put everything on the table
- Challenge the what, how and how well
- Balance cost cuts with capabilities investments
How do I manage the transformation and make it enduring?
- Set up a parallel organization to run the transformation
- Communicate before, during, and after the transformation
- Keep the weight off
“Getting fit” does not happen overnight. It happens step by step, and with a lot of collaboration and hard work. Let’s take that thought into our economic development work, businesses and communities this week.
-Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- Last week was an exciting one as several companies announced significant expansions in the Columbus Region: Accenture is adding 200 new jobs in Columbus; Complete Filter Media is adding 100 new jobs in Lancaster; IGS Energy is adding at least 20 new jobs in Dublin; Modular Assembly Innovations is adding 40 new jobs in East Liberty; Sedgwick is adding more than 100 new jobs in Hilliard; and Veeva is adding 90 new jobs in Dublin. Congratulations to all of the companies and communities!
- This week, the One Columbus team is hosting companies considering the Columbus Region. Our team will also be in Las Vegas for HIMSS Annual Conference and Exhibition.
- JobsOhio has released its 2017 Annual Report and 2018 Strategic Plan. The report shows capital investment commitments at a new high for JobsOhio, and job numbers at an 11 percent increase over 2016.