For many organizations, the start of the year means setting new priorities to achieve strategic objectives.

This will require sustained attention to the execution capacity and alignment of the organization.

One key theme for many is how to adapt to an increasingly uncertain environment and stand out and make a difference.

The need to change perspective

Trade wars, technological advancements, taxation and labor issues represent significant challenges but also opportunities to change our perspective.

As a leader, it is possible and, above all, necessary to have a clear strategy and an aligned, efficient, and innovative organization.

Here is an excellent video from a lecture given by John Doerr at UC Berkeley in 2015.

General Partner of KPCB, known for his involvement in Google and author of “Measure What Matters,” he explores the key characteristics of organizations that have major impact in addition to discussing topics such as innovation, the environment and health.

I noticed three elements that create an extraordinary business:

1. The importance of focusing on needs not yet met;
2. Ensure speed of execution in implementation;
3. The presence of a superb management team which allows the first two points.

The world is changing, and the agility required to adapt will determine the organizations that will make a difference.

Let's think about the short iterative loops that Claude Emond talked about on the podcast (in French) (Episode 182: Positive deviance, agility and leadership – The Keys to Innovate and Lead with Claude Emond).

Facing the harsh reality for change

In this context, a recent opinion article published in La Presse (in French) resonates with me (The great financial stagnation of Canadians).

Canadians are poorer today than ten years ago.

For comparison purposes, Americans became 18% richer.

Phew!

Meanwhile, in Canada, productivity grew only 4%, to US$59.86 – about the same level of labor productivity that the United States had in 2001.

The author mentions productivity as a key element in closing this gap. I would also add innovation as a driver of transformation.

Exploration and agility go hand in hand.

NOW!

What do you think?

Have a good week.

PS. For a comparison of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States, consult the OECD “GDP per hour worked” table.