INNOVATION
Repeatable Success
By Senorine Wasike
I once walked into a project status meeting to present one of my best launch plans for a new brand . The yet-to-be-launched brand targeted a new category , and although we had done all we needed to give the launch the best chance of success , I wasn ’ t prepared for a question from one of the executive team .
“ Having listened to you present this plan , I get the feeling that this launch will be either a catastrophic success or failure .” She said .
Catastrophic success happens when a new product attracts so much interest that it exceeds its own sustaining capacity , resulting in the inability of the organization to respond to demand . Catastrophic failure happens when a new product launch experiences total failure from which recovery is impossible .
We all love to succeed and associate with successful people or organizations , but most of us cannot articulate what makes these people and organizations successful .
Repeatable success requires us to be disciplined , intentional , and structured in a way that allows us to consistently deliver in a predictable manner . Repeatable means if something is done again , the outcome will be the same or better . The litmus test is to repeat over and over again and still achieve the desired outcome .
Repeatable success is an element of best practice and measurement of adherence to best practice . Some of the signs that demonstrate an organization is on a path to repeatable success are ( a ) clear desired outcomes , ( b ) proven models , and ( c ) resource allocation .
Repeatable success has been necessitated by the need to optimize time to market , manage project costs and risks , and ensure consistency in quality .
“ Catastrophic success happens when a new product attracts so much interest that it exceeds its own sustaining capacity , resulting in the inability of the organization to respond to demand . Catastrophic failure happens when a new product launch experiences total failure from which recovery is impossible .”
If you are yet to achieve repeatable success , the below tips can help !
Tap into ‘ lesson learned .’
Past failures offer great lessons . Before going deep into a new project , ask yourself if it ’ s been done before , by whom , what worked or didn ’ t work ? How can you do it better ? Avoid worrying whether you will be as successful as the last time . The fear of doing it right the second time can be crippling , but always remember that it is not in failing but in learning from failure that matters .
Define what success looks like
Success is not a one-hit wonder , consequently , set clear expectations to avoid being a one hit wonder . Clearly articulate the picture of success . A well-thought-out plan can quickly adapt to complex , multidimensional emerging business challenges .
Monitor and Measure
Success unmeasured is not repeatable . Proven tools allow project managers to monitor the progress of the project . Adherence to best practice ensures delivery in time & in full ( ITIF ) and within budget .
Document KPIs
We gain reputation when we succeed in something . After being successful , the expectation is that we will stay successful . KPIs allow you to measure your goals , and it gives you the opportunity to see where you are going wrong and subsequently make decisions that help you reach your goals faster .
REPEAT !
After success , then what ? You start again and do it over and over again . ■
Senorine Wasike is a Strategy and Innovation scholar with over 10 years ’ corporate experience . She currently heads Marketing at Kenya Wine Agencies ( KWAL ). You can commune with her on email at :
Senorine . Wasike @ gmail . com .
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