The Five A’s of Change - achieving continuous improvement
April 27, 2021
How can we consciously use the process of change to continuously improve our business?
We've spent more than the past year responding to things outside of our control. Everyone has experienced huge change, a lot of it while in crisis mode. Upon reflection, some of the changes were inevitable. If we think about digital transformation and flexible working conditions, these were simply accelerated by Covid.
Now that the worst has (hopefully) passed, it’s important to pause and reflect on the changes you’ve made to your business. The process of change itself is a powerful tool we can use far beyond the Covid crisis, to improve our planning and resilience. It's likely there are other opportunities (or changes) that exist to help you future proof your business.
Consciously recognising the process required to change can vastly improve your outcomes.
The Five A's of Change breaks it down simply:
1. Awareness.
First, we need awareness of what needs to change. What changes should you prioritise now you have some control back? How can you reflect these in your business plan?
2. Acceptance.
We have to accept that change is a continuous process. It's likely you're craving some stability; however progress requires change. Change is a lot more positive when it’s a result of proactive (not reactive) thinking.
3. Action.
Once we have a plan, we must actually implement it. Now that you're out of crisis mode, you can take it one step at a time; the momentum for change will grow. Without action, planning is pointless.
4. Accountability.
Having someone independent to hold us to account is typically a fool proof way to ensure we act. A bit like going to the gym before work… we’re more likely to show up if we’ve committed to a friend or paid for a personal trainer.
5. Acknowledgement.
Acknowledge the change you've been through and the way you responded to Covid-19 and lockdown. We all did the best we could with the knowledge we had at the time. Celebrate the success of taking action and forcing change; it helps reinforce good behaviour.
This powerful model is simple and effective. Consider the things in your business that you would like to change and what stage in this process you’re at. What is your next step? Whatever your current situation, empower yourself and make a commitment to real change.
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."
- Socrates
Need help making change stick? Contact us
to find out how we can help you with planning and accountability.
You’ve sold your business! But what happens now!? We’ve outlined five potential pathways your post-sale life could take, and how they help you find new goals and lifestyles.
Are you ready to sell your business? Here are six important ways to secure the best deal, through solid negotiation and a deep understanding of your core strengths as a company.
Is your business debt getting out of control? Come and talk to us about strategies for reducing debt and getting cashflow under control.
What will you do differently this year to enable your business to thrive? Conducting a past-year review with our experienced advisors will provide valuable insights for this year's goal-setting.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has unveiled its compliance focus areas for the 2025 tax year, highlighting the importance of accurate claims and thorough record-keeping, particularly for small businesses and individuals.
The ATO recently published some ‘wild claims’ that business owners had tried to make for business expenses. But what CAN you claim and what CAN’T you claim? We have the answers.
Many business owners are reviewing their priorities and their work-life balance. Gallup reported that 39% of the owners they surveyed worked over 60 hours a week. How can you reclaim time and balance in your business?
Accountants don't just look after the financial side of your business. With our expertise behind your business development, we can help you turn your strategic ideas into real success stories.
We’re trading in uncertain times. But now’s the perfect moment to look at optimising your business. We’ve highlighted six key areas where you can improve your business efficiency.
#optimisation #strategy #businesstips
Are you using data insights to drive your operational efficiency? We’ve got the lowdown on five ways that data-based decision-making takes your business to new levels of productivity.
