A Journey of Lasting Change: Why The Road To Sustainable Success Takes a Minimum of 18 Months
I’ve been asked numerous times, “How quickly can we see meaningful change within our organization?” As the CEO of Solomon Advising, a leading business development consulting firm, my answer, refined through years of hands-on experience, is steadfastly consistent: Expect at least 18 months. And remember, that's just the beginning.
Eighteen months – that may sound like a considerable stretch, but it isn’t an arbitrary timeline. It is a carefully calculated period necessary to lay a robust foundation, roll out meticulous execution, and conduct ongoing assessments, with systematic refinement and optimization – all aimed at guaranteeing the sustainability of any growth initiative. It's not merely about initiating change; it's about ensuring the longevity of transformation.
The first step in our process is careful planning, which is arguably the most crucial phase. We dive deep into understanding your organization's core values, strengths, weaknesses, and unique market positioning. This isn't a cursory look; we create a comprehensive map that aligns with your long-term vision, identifying concrete steps and strategies that lead to your desired destination. We recognize the nuances of each organization and prioritize crafting a plan that will work for you, rather than applying a generic, one-size-fits-all approach.
Once the planning stage is complete, we move into diligent execution, where our carefully crafted strategies are transformed into action. Execution is a test of resolve, a marathon that demands commitment, patience, and an unwavering eye on the ultimate goal. It's an ongoing journey that requires a steady pace and resilience, especially when encountering inevitable challenges and hurdles.
After implementation, we step into a continuous cycle of assessment, refinement, and optimization. This phase is where the rubber meets the road. Some may assume that once a strategy is executed, the task is complete. But that's a misconception. Implemented strategies need consistent nurturing, monitoring, and adjustment in response to the ever-evolving market conditions and feedback loops. The process of refining and optimizing is what ensures that the initiated change is not a fleeting success but becomes a part of the organization's DNA.
At this juncture, it's important to discuss the allure of quick fixes - the seemingly swift and easy route that tempts many organizations. While quick fixes may appear to offer immediate relief, their effects are often ephemeral and can be detrimental in the long run. Quick fixes are much like putting a band-aid on a deep wound - they temporarily hide the problem without addressing the root cause. Eventually, these issues resurface, often in more complex forms, demanding even greater resources and effort to tackle.
Furthermore, the adoption of quick fix solutions can foster a dangerous culture of complacency where teams start ignoring systemic issues in favor of surface-level improvements. This can lead to a cycle of recurring problems, decreased productivity, low morale, and a constantly firefighting mode of operation.
This is precisely why at Solomon Advising, we consciously steer clear of short-term project work. We understand and respect the fact that enduring change needs time to breathe, to take root, and flourish. It cannot be hurried or squeezed into an unrealistic timeline. We’re proud of our commitment to this philosophy, which has led to us retaining 90% of our clients, some for more than a decade.
Our approach is anchored in the belief that meaningful change is about more than fleeting triumphs. It's about fostering a culture of sustainable success, of resilience, and the ability to not just withstand, but thrive amidst the ebb and flow of market changes.
So, if you're seeking a partner willing to embark on an at least 18-month long journey with you, we are here.
Solomon Advising is a marketing & branding agency focused on helping professional services firms retain their relevance and ensure sustainability by consistently promoting a credible brand. Contact us today to see how we can help improve your brand’s health.