People often use the word nimble to describe the ability of small businesses to change to fit a changing environment.  Often you hear the word bureaucratic used to describe large businesses that seem to be customer unfriendly.

Repeatable processes can be used to both facilitate change as well as fall into the trap of "We have always done it that way".  Nimble or bureaucratic ?  Your call. 

You might be thinking: "That doesn't seem to make sense.  How can fixed process and procedure facilitate change?

The business environment should not use the spaghetti doneness test - you know - throw it on the wall and see if it sticks.  Change should be undertaken when there is a reasonable chance for improvement.  Buried in this statement is the implication that we have the ability to measure, or at least assess whether the result of the change is positive or negative.  To measure, implies we have something to measure against.  This "gauge" is the current repeatable, measurable process.

We don't believe in "luck" or "hope" as a growth strategy.  We believe small businesses grow by continuous improvement; never becoming complacent and never letting go of the mindset of improvement.

Success is no reason to stop changing.  Remember, if you are successful, everyone wants your spot.

A recent Chiness Fortune Cookie said it best:  "Even if you are on the right track, you will be run over if you stand still!"

Measure to Manage!