Most airplanes are built to be stable - once they are “trimmed” and set up by the pilot, they pretty much fly themselves (in smooth air). This takes a good design and a pilot that understands the airplane and what its capabilities are.
Businesses are similar - good business planning and execution allow a well-run business to “fly itself.” Here, the “smooth air” comment above comes into play as well:
If the air is turbulent, a pilot must constantly correct and physically point the airplane in the direction she wants it to go. In business, during turbulent economic times such as we are in today, a business must also be physically directed to keep it on its path.
So ask yourself these questions:
Do you have a business plan?
Do you know where you are going? Have you set goals?
Have you created tasks that will lead to achieving those goals if they are completed?
Are you following your plan?
Does your plan need to change based on current events both inside and outside of your business?
Are you aware of the limitations of your plan?
Do you know your business’s “safe operating zone” to ensure you survive the “economic turbulence?”
Just like a pilot is fully aware of the operating limitations of his aircraft, a business owner must be aware of the limitation of her plan - a pilot know - like the back of his hand - the speeds and maneuvers that will give him the best chance of ensuring that his airplane, passengers, and himself complete the flight safely. He’s always got a “Plan B” as well - and most likely a “Plan C, D, and E.”
A business owner must also must know her business like the back of her hand and have a second plan, and a third, fourth, and fifth. A good leader will especially have her hand on the yoke and the throttle of her business during these violent economic times - but also understands that when the times are not quite so choppy the business - if it is well planned and executed - can fly itself with only minor corrections to its path.
Don’t fret if you are making major changes during this period of time - it’s necessary. But once the economic “crisis” starts to smooth out, if you still find yourself “flying the busness” instead of trusting the business to “fly itself,” that’s a hint to take a close look at your plan… you may find that it no longer fits where your business is heading.
Fair Winds,
Andrew
What troubles are you having these days? What changes are you making to your business and your plan? Let us know in the comment section!