Rose Matlock Consulting

Posts Tagged ‘scenarios’

Christmas and New Years are almost here and that means 2010 will be so close behind.  To win, leaders, managers and business’ will need fresh thinking, new ideas and a commitment to look anew at themselves and those they support to identify opportunities and make the most of them.

To help, Rose/Matlock Consulting (RMC) will be starting a  new series:

This will be a multi-part exploration of back to business basics, leadership insights and organizational breakthroughs to enrich your 2010.  Come along with us as we explore the fundamental behaviors of success for individuals and companies; we will also be looking at case studies and sharing experiences.  You will not want to miss a single one.  Make sure to subscribe to our RSS feed or look for a *new* newsletter and update subscription option soon!

Christopher Matlock, is available to train and speak with your group, management team or upcoming conference.  Email or call for rates and availability.

chris@rosematlock.com              

623-521-0875

     Two children visiting a petting zoo with their parents.  Both of them dutifully hold out their hands to receive snacks to feed the inquisitive goats, sheep, chickens and rabbits who roamed aimlessly around the pen.  What an idyllic scene, yes?  As the children entered the pen they each went their own direction.  The first little boy, followed closely by his mother, approached a goat and began to feed him single bites.  The goat eagerly took each one, softly nuzzling the young child.  Mother smiled and the boy was delighted.

     The second little boy strode valiantly towards a different goat.  He too offered up single bites and the goat took them.  However, for reasons that may never be clear, the goat grew impatient with the morseled approach and in his hasty move to grab the rest of the snack, bit the young boy drawing blood.  The young child screamed in shock more than agony.  The father rushed forward, pulling his son into his arms, quickly joined by mom, and they both reassured and soothed the boy, telling him he was safe now, the bad goat could not get to him anymore.  Read the rest of this entry »

Business planning can be one of the most rewarding experiences…but sometimes for all the wrong reasons.  As we look towards 2010, we calm ourselves with the certainty that things will follow the “plan”, that sales will be on “plan”, that the prescribed behaviors of the “plan” will work but as often as not, the “plan” ends up being little more than an exercise in futility because well…that’s not how things unfold.  However, that doesn’t mean planning cannot be useful.

As the attached link to a recent Mckinsey article shows, instead of a simple, one dimensional static plan, consider using scenarios to think through a variety of outcomes.  Use these exercise to strengthen core systems, seek new competencies where needed and press your advantage when apparent.

This year, make your business planning count!

Mckinsey Quarterly