Successful companies can avoid - or at least overcome – active inertia.
First, though, they have to break free from the assumption that their worst enemy is paralysis,
They need to realize that action alone solves nothing.
In fact, it often makes matters worse.
Instead of rushing to ask, “What should we do?” managers should pause to ask, “What hinders us?” That question focuses attention on the proper things: the strategic frames, processes, relationships, and values that can subvert action by channeling it in the wrong direction.
Most struggling companies have a good sense of what they need to do.
They have stacks of reports from inside analysts and outside consultants, all filled with the same kinds of recommendations.
Firestone’s leaders were well aware of the superiority of the radial tire, and Laura Ashley’s executives knew that more and more women were joining the workforce.
Their problem was that they lacked a clear understanding of how their old formulas for success would hinder them in responding to the changes.