The Magnetic Pull Of Momentum

Organizations instinctively slow down in response to change. Employees grow more committed to protecting themselves and less committed to protecting productivity and profitability.

Pretty soon results start to suffer. Then the problem begins to feed on itself.

Your job is to reverse the trend.

Speed things up. Focus your people on achieving hard results.

Momentum gives job commitment a second chance.

Build a dynamic sense of momentum in your organization, and watch its magnetic pull on people. Progress is compelling. Commitment starts to climb when things start clicking, because everybody wants to be part of a winner.

Just as people tend to disconnect emotionally when their organization stalls or loses ground, they close ranks and commit themselves more fully when the organization is “on a roll.”

This highlights the need for action. For a pickup in performance. For speedier headway toward specific goals. Keep everyone focused on achieving hard results—tangible performance gains—that provide concrete proof of the group’s effectiveness. Don’t get sidetracked by the soft issues. Trying to massage morale, lower stress, or improve company loyalty and job satisfaction doesn’t necessarily do much at all to build momentum. It works quite the opposite— momentum heals attitudinal problems.

You must mobilize your people. Outlaw inertia. Start now to change the cadence in your work group, and create a sense of urgency. Get the organization moving at a faster clip. Push for daily progress. Post results. Celebrate accomplishments, then “raise the bar.”

Keep the heat on to maintain momentum, and you tighten the bond between employees and the organization.