

Organizations sputter and stall quickly. Insider focus seems to be our default mode. We naturally work to create personal comfort rather than value for customers. How can stalled organizations re-energize their zeal and reinvigorate their vision?

One strategy to get a stalled organization moving is creating a crisis.

Webster says a crisis is, “The point of time when it is to be decided whether any affair or course of action must go on, or be modified or terminate…”

<strong>How to Create a Crisis</strong>

The leadership team I work with created a crisis <em>by setting a deadline</em>.  After months of pursuing a desirable solution to a pressing problem, we drew a line in the sand.  Here’s what we said to our organization.

If we cannot find the property we desire by July 1, we will accept a less desirable, temporary option.  Furthermore, by August 9 we plan to vacate this property and move into the <em>best available location.</em> July 1 arrived and the solution we hoped to find didn’t materialize.  We identified a less desirable solution and moved on schedule.

<strong>Getting over it</strong>

We kept looking for the “perfect” solution. While looking we turned down several opportunities. A deadline helped us let go of perfection. Perfection is the enemy of progress.

<strong>Creative urgency</strong>

A crisis forced us to get creative and consider unconsidered options. Setting a deadline opened our minds and created urgency.

<strong>Results</strong>

It turns out the less desirable option has many advantages.  It’s not perfect.  It’s creating discomfort.  However, it freed us from a strangling bottleneck and presents new exciting opportunities.

<strong>Eight suggestions for crisis makers:</strong>
<ol>
	<li> Be willing to fail and be prepared for the consequences</li>
	<li>Be up front with everyone (never deceive)</li>
	<li>Only create a crisis if your mission and vision are in peril</li>
	<li>Don’t even think about it unless trust runs like a river through your organization – it’s going to be tough even with trust</li>
	<li>Stick to your word</li>
	<li>During the crisis act humbly, confidently, and compassionately</li>
	<li>Acknowledge the negative while focusing on opportunities</li>
	<li>Keep repeating your values. Values establish stability during the destabilization.</li>
</ol>
*****

<strong><em>What other suggestions do you have for creating a crisis?  What other dangers?</em></strong>