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Writer's pictureDr. Cristi Haygood

The Power of the Pivot

It’s that time of year again…Annual Planning! That chaotic yet hopeful time when we collectively sit down to plan what the projects and metrics our Teams will achieve in the coming year, while reconciling how much effort will be required to meet this year’s goals. Depending on your organization, this process may be straightforward and based in reality of where the business is. Or your organization could enjoy creating plans based on “wish lists” that require way more resources than your Sr. Leadership knows they can provide. No matter where your organization stands on this spectrum, one thing is clear…it’s hard to adequately plan next year, if you are drastically behind this year. 


Graphic of 4 Ways to Pivot

This is where pivoting becomes an essential practice. Pivoting is often seen as a reactionary measure, but when done strategically, it can be a proactive tool that energizes Teams and aligns efforts towards common goals. Beyond just driving business success, strategic pivots can have a profound impact on team morale and productivity. By embracing change and leading with agility, Leaders can create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to perform at their best. Let’s take Jessica as an example.


Jessica is an Engineering Director of a mid-sized tech company. Jessica’s organization had been working tirelessly on a new product launch, but just months before the release, a competitor introduced a similar product. Instead of sticking to their original plan and risking a flop, Jessica decided to pivot. Here’s how she did it and how you can apply similar strategies:


  1. Embrace Agility: Jessica gathered her Team and encouraged open dialogue about the challenges they faced. By fostering an environment where adaptability was valued, she empowered her Team to think creatively and respond quickly. Leaders who embrace agility can navigate unexpected changes and turn potential setbacks into opportunities for innovation.

  2. Trust Your Team: By trusting her Team’s expertise and creativity, Jessica’s team quickly developed revised project plans that helped exceed expectations. Empowering your Team to take ownership and giving them autonomy can lead to better execution and morale.

  3. Leverage Data and Insights: Instead of relying solely on gut feelings, Jessica and her Team dove into market research and customer feedback. They identified unmet needs and shifted their product’s features to better align with market demand. Leaders who leverage data can make informed decisions that align more closely with their goals and the needs of their stakeholders.

  4. Monitor and Measure Progress: Throughout the pivot, Jessica implemented regular check-ins and performance metrics to track progress and make necessary adjustments. This proactive approach ensured the Team stayed on course and could swiftly address any issues that arose. Leaders who monitor and measure progress can make informed decisions and maintain momentum towards their goals.


Jessica’s ability to pivot not only salvaged the product launch, but also strengthened her organization’s position in the market. Best yet, it strengthened the relationship with her Team and showcased their resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges you face or the initial annoyance you feel when you realize you need to shift, there’s power in the pivot. By embracing agility, trusting your team, leveraging data, and monitoring progress, you too can accelerate your performance and guide your team towards achieving their goals.


 

Ready to lead your Team through transformative change and unlock their full potential?

Dr. Cristi specializes in helping Leaders like you pivot strategically and execute plans that not only achieve goals, but also boost team morale and productivity. Don't let obstacles hold your Team back—reach out today and let Dr. Cristi guide you in turning challenges into opportunities for success. Take the first step in your journey toward becoming a more agile, resilient, and impactful leader.


Looking forward to working with you to #EngineerBetterLeaders!

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