How do you know when it’s time to change lanes in business or life? 

In traffic, you likely don’t give it much thought.  The lane you’re in is either traveling uncomfortably slow (or fast), or you see some sort of slow-down ahead.  You see other lanes, heading the same direction you are, only at a better pace.  So, you decide to change.

While this may seem intuitive, not deciding to change is actually one of the two biggest reasons why necessary changes fail to happen in business.  Uncertain about what to do, or what they can do.  Lacking resources, options, support or confidence.  Many leaders simply choose to remain stuck, proclaiming that “It’s just the way things are around here”.  Or blaming their poor performance on circumstances or other factors conveniently beyond their control. 

“Clarity precedes mastery.” 

• If you’re going to succeed with change, being crystal clear about what you want, what’s possible, the path, the obstacles, and time required is imperative.  It will help you to muster the resources, support, courage and confidence it will take to see your changes through to completion.

• Hesitation today could mean your business struggles or fails and you lose your competitive edge in the market.

• The cost of doing nothing may be high and the cost of doing the wrong things is usually time and energy that leads to zero progress or even regression.

• Life is too short to feel frustrated and miserable with what you fail to achieve on a daily basis.

• Become clear, confident, and increasingly committed to leading positive change. 

Five Questions That Will Help You Decide to Change.

Get clear about what you want and why.  What's holding you back?  And what can you do or change to accelerate success?  Answer these questions to fuel your decision and help you determine the steps to safely Change Lanes.

1) Where are you now?   

• There isn’t a navigation app in the world that can provide direction without knowing your starting point.

• Identify your top struggles and pains or symptoms that need to be resolved.

• A quick and honest assessment of the current state (or suck) will also help you and your team decide to change.

2) Identify your goal(s). You can start with this if it’s the first thing on your mind. 

• What do you want to achieve?  Where do you want to be? 
  
  You’re at A…  Where’s B? 

• Why? – This is essential!  Knowing what you want is not enough to ensure success.  Understanding the Why behind your goals provides the meaning that will help others to get on-board and propel you all in the new direction, even when challenged.

3) Ask what’s hindering or delaying your progress?   

• Is it: People? Processes? Culture? Resources? Lack of Vision? Inconsistency?  Listing the gaps and obstacles will help you understand challenges you face and whether to go over, under, around or through them as you Change Lanes

4) How to best get there?  

Jot down your initial ideas on how to achieve your goals and avoid the consequences above.  While you may not yet know the best path to your goal, brainstorming this will give you a place to start.  You’ll have something to bounce off others who will affirm your direction or offer alternatives. 

5) What are the alternatives??  

Before you make the decision to change, it is a good idea to consider alternatives.

Are there any other creative or less radical approaches that would achieve the same or better results?

Try to come-up with at least two alternatives.

Alternative Solution #1:

Alternative Solution #2:

Deciding to change.

So, how do you finally decide to change?  What goes through your mind? 

The Changing Lanes for Business Coaching Program includes a special worksheet you can use for this critical Step.  It will provide basis and direction for your Lane Change that you can use to gain insight and support from others, and help to keep you and your team on-track.  It can also be re-used as often as you'd like, by you or team members, to ensure your success with changes in the future. 

Answering the questions may have already led you to a decision.  If your mind is already made-up, it’s time to move on to the second step for Changing Lanes: LOOK for Options and Risks to confirm your decision and Clear a Path to Progress.

If you’re still unsure about the need, or your ability to change lanes, review your answers and share them with others on your team to complete a clear picture and build solidarity for the transition.  Or schedule a FREE call with me to discuss your situation and questions.  

The next step in the Changing Lanes approach will provide additional insight and clarity that will help you to get past “IF” and onto “HOW” and “WHEN”.  

Uncertainty and fear are the main causes for hesitation and inaction.  

Rosa Parks famously said this on the subject: “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made-up, this diminishes fear.  Knowing what must be done does away with fear.”  

Make sure the path you’re planning is clear and safe. Not filled with hazards and detours and roadblocks that will set you back.

Step #2 will help you to identify and embrace constraints and avoid risks, or become sure you can clear them when they arise.  Click here for the next post: LOOK for Options and Risks.