Particularly in this economy, way too many of us have become “min-maxers” – approaching our Jobs At The Top of our organizations to minimize the maximum risk. To keep our powder dry for better times. Justifying a “tail-between-the-legs,” versus an “on the balls-of-our feet, center-of-the-ring” stance.
 
But nearly everyone’s competitive environment includes someone who is thinking differently. Taking ground that may not be affecting you right now, but that you wish you were taking. I’ll bet that without even thinking, you can name who it is in yours. And to them, your “min-maxing” is the ultimate lay-up. A free steak dinner. One of the lambs in the presence of the tiger, hoping he continues to overlook us.
 
Often, we’ll write the tigers off as irrationals who just don’t understand our business and how difficult it is these days. And who will run out of steam.
 
But look at it through their yellow eyes: is there any more attractive time for seizing advantage than when one’s rivals are on their heels?
 
So, my advice? Get over feeling subjected to circumstances. Go back to the days when you started. And go for broke!  Again. Screw up your courage, determine the boldest moves you can survive, even if all of them go wrong. Assign priorities. Let people know what’s going on. And give ’em a rip!
 
When one doesn’t work, learn what you can from the experience, rest up and launch another.
 
This kind of boldness is just opposite of the methodical planning you might do in more prosperous times. But perfect for now. I call it “assertive trial and error.” Go small, but go frequent. Because when one does hit, the impact is likely to be big. Positive for you, now a tiger, and negative for the rest of the lambs.
 
Not only will you likely find ways to enhance, and maybe even entirely transform, your business, but enthusiasm in the ranks will soar. Only if you prepare your organization for a period of experimentation. Assure them that you can afford a bumpy road to better. Warn them that you’ll be asking them to try new things. And let them know you’ve decided that fighting back will feel much better than waiting for the tiger.