Business Tools Blog

Sure, when you pull a BAND-AID off, it hurts.  Then, the pain goes away and you never have to think about the BAND-AID again.

I use the BAND-AID as a metaphor for change in business.  Change can be rolling out new software; changing a process; or re-forecasting when there is bad news.

In business, we like to pull off BAND-AIDs as slowly as possible.  We avoid the quick/sharp pain in favor of a dull-ache for an extended period of time.   We justify our need to move slowly with phrases like:

• I need more buy in/input/requirements from stakeholders
• We need to evaluate more options
• The tactical needs of the business take priority right now
• People will lose confidence if we make this change and it isn’t 100% right

Don’t get me wrong, a certain amount of planning is necessary.  However, from where I sit, I think we tend to over plan.  Why?  Change is intimidating … especially in an uncertain environment.  Getting things done is never as simple and straightforward as we think.  To complicate matters further, the larger the number of stakeholders, the more reticence and resistance you’ll face.  Everyone has an opinion - even those who will not participate in the process.

For me, the “Like a BAND-AID” approach works best.  It’s typically better when folks use their best judgment, and get a “good enough” result quickly, then iterate until the desired result is achieved.   If you think you can plan the perfect system and get it right the first time, think again.  There are thousands of sales people working on home grown order entry systems in Telecom who would beg to differ.  So use your budget wisely, don’t spend all of your time and dollars planning on the front end.  Acknowledge from the start that Phase 1 will just be “good enough.”  Phase 2, 3 & 4 will be better.

For example, at Zayo we have done 11 acquisitions.  We use ADPTotalsource as our PEO.  Day one,post close, all employees who previously worked at the acquired company are transitioned to Zayo’s HR and Payroll system.  Employees immediately have Zayo benefits and use Zayo HR systems for time tracking.  I’ve often heard employees ask, if instead, we could have a transition period.  I always respond that the “Like a BAND-AID” approach may be painful today, but in the long run it hurts a lot less.

In instances where customer service won’t be impacted by an 80% right “good enough” solution vs. 99% right answer … it probably makes sense to go with the “Like a BAND-AID” approach. Where customer service would be negatively impacted by an 80% answer, a more cautious approach is warranted.

When is the “Do it later approach” warranted?  Only when you can live with the consequences. You be the judge!