Re-Inventing Success by Adam Hartung

Mr. Adam Hartung, Managing Partner of Spark Partners, and author of soon to be published book, the Phoenix Principle, presented an inspiring analysis of the reasons for success or failure. The specially prepared interactive speech detailed the stages of success, obstacles to continued success, possible responses, and outcomes to responses. The success of institutions often parallels those of individuals.

Success formulas identify who we are, what we do, and how we do it. Early development provides continued growth, whereas, later development limits options. Many horizontal structural entities (economy, industry, company, products, individual) align vertically to contribute to our success and identity. An interrupter (new competitor, innovation, lost of customers, regulatory change) results in one or more of these essential horizontal platforms needing realignment or support falters.

Institutions and individuals pass through lifecycle phases. Maturity is often defined as the "flats", a period of stabilizing revenue growth. Challenges during this period in particular often lead to a growth stall that results in the demise of more than half of companies. Of those remaining, half generate revenues that are marginal (plus or minus 2% of the stall point). Failures are characterized by head in the sand impotent responses (mergers, product line extensions, slash marketing/sales costs, use financial gimmickry, hire heroic leaders). They lock-in behavioral, cost, and structural formulas.

The results of the structural lock-ins are revenues that continue to decline at an accelerating pace in advance of cost reduction. The proliferation of "sacred cows", slow decision-making, financial machinations, and political correctness avoids realignment of structural horizontal support platforms.

Success occurs via vertical alignment. There is a need to return to the rapid growth days of adolescence. In essence, interrupters (competition, loss of customers, regulatory change) give an opportunity for rejuvenation when they are handled properly much like a teenager is challenged to move beyond childhood. Disruptions stop the status quo by breaking lock-ins. Disruptions result in White Space that fosters breakthrough thinking, creating openings for novel and innovative solutions.

White space commits both permission and resources in advance.

If you are asked to do something new:

• Can you Id the White Space?
  
• Does it report outside the old success formula?
  
• How deep is the permission and resources committed?
  
• Can you personally commit to the White Space?

Are you trying to defend & extend your career or change it?

• What is your success formula?
  
• How are you locked-in?
  
• How could you disrupt the lock-in?
  
• Where is the White Space in your life?

For the fully text of Adam Hartung's presentation please click on www.younghart.com