Navigating Improvement: Strategies to Help Employees Embrace New Initiatives

Employee engagement strategies

Improvement is a constant in any thriving business. Whether it's adopting innovative technology, refining strategies for entering new markets, or enhancing existing processes, the journey of improvement is one that every successful organization must embrace. The reality is that businesses that resist improvement risk stagnation. In fact, a PWC survey found that 40% of CEOs fear their organizations won't be economically viable in the next decade if they don't adapt and improve.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Here’s how you can turn your team into active participants in your business's continuous improvement—while fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.

1. Start with Why: Connect Improvement to Personal Growth

Don’t just tell your team what’s improving—tell them why it matters and how it connects to their personal and professional growth. For example, if you're introducing new inventory management software, don't simply say, "We're implementing this new tool." Instead, frame it as, "We're adopting this software because it will reduce the time you spend on inventory by 30%, giving you more opportunities to focus on strategic tasks that contribute to your growth and the team's success."

Pro Tip: Hold a meeting to explain the specific benefits of the improvement for each department. Tailor your message to meet the needs of different teams so that everyone understands how this improvement aligns with their goals and values.

2. Involve Them Early: Collaboration Enhances Ownership

One of the biggest mistakes is introducing an improvement without involving your team. People naturally resist what they feel is imposed upon them. To foster a sense of ownership, involve your team early in the process. If you're planning to shift to a new work model, for example, ask your employees what tools or resources they need to make the transition smooth and beneficial for everyone.

Pro Tip: Create a task force that includes representatives from different departments. This collaborative approach will make your team feel invested in the improvement process and provide you with insights that might otherwise be overlooked.

3. Leverage Strengths for Success

Improvement isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and neither is your team. Leverage their strengths by assigning roles that align with their abilities. If someone excels at problem-solving but struggles with execution, have them brainstorm solutions and let someone else handle the implementation.

Pro Tip: Conduct a skills assessment to understand your team’s strengths and areas for growth. Using tools like the Kolbe Index and DiSC assessments can help you assign tasks more effectively. If a key skill is missing, consider cross-training or bringing in external expertise to ensure success.

4. Foster Open Communication: Act on Feedback

A common pitfall in managing improvement initiatives is ignoring employee concerns. Encourage open dialogue and, more importantly, act on the feedback you receive. If your team raises valid concerns about a new strategy, be prepared to adjust your approach.

Pro Tip: Schedule regular check-ins during the improvement process. These meetings are not just for progress updates but also for gathering feedback. If someone raises a valid point, address it promptly and make necessary adjustments to your plan.

5. Celebrate Continuous Growth: Recognition Fuels Momentum

Improvement can be demanding, and without recognition, your team might lose motivation. Celebrate small wins along the way. If your team successfully adopts a new system or improves a process, take the time to acknowledge their efforts. Whether it’s ordering lunch for the team, allowing early leave on a Friday, or giving out gift certificates, these gestures can significantly boost morale and reinforce a culture of continuous growth.

Pro Tip: Create a “growth board” where team members can post achievements related to the improvement process. Whether it’s mastering a new tool or hitting a milestone, these celebrations keep the momentum going and morale high.

6. Keep the Conversation Going: Improvement Is Ongoing

Announcements alone aren’t enough to make improvements stick. You need to continually reinforce the message. Revisit your initiatives regularly in team meetings and one-on-one check-ins. Remind your team why these improvements are happening and how they benefit everyone.

Actionable Tip: Set up a recurring meeting—monthly or quarterly—to review the progress of ongoing improvements. Use this time to reassess goals, celebrate successes, and address any challenges. These meetings should be more in-depth than your weekly standups, focusing on strategic discussions and long-term planning.

7. Embrace Flexibility: Improvement Requires Adaptability

Not every plan will work perfectly from the start. Be prepared to pivot if something isn’t yielding the desired results. The ability to adjust your strategy based on real-time feedback demonstrates that you value your team’s input and are committed to continuous improvement.

Pro Tip: After the initial rollout of a new initiative, send out a survey to your team to gather feedback on what’s working and what needs adjustment. Use this data to make the necessary tweaks that can significantly enhance the success of your improvement efforts.

Final Thoughts: Empowering Improvement from Within

Improvement doesn’t have to be a struggle. By engaging your team early, leveraging their strengths, and fostering a culture of open communication and recognition, you can turn potential resistance into enthusiasm. Remember, your team is your greatest asset in navigating improvement—empower them to contribute actively to the process.

Ready to take the next step? Start implementing these strategies today and watch how quickly your team transforms from participants to champions of continuous improvement. If you need support with assessments or managing the improvement process, IA Business Advisors is here to help.

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How to Mitigate Financial Risk Using the S.M.A.R.T. Management System

June 9, 2025

In an increasingly volatile economy, businesses cannot afford to be reactive when it comes to their finances. Whether you're a startup founder, a growing enterprise, or a seasoned business owner, the risk of financial instability is real—and growing. At IA Business Advisors, we help companies proactively navigate these risks using our comprehensive S.M.A.R.T. Management System . S.M.A.R.T. is more than just a goal-setting acronym. It is a decision-making and execution framework that brings clarity, structure, and alignment to every part of your business. From six-week action plans to one-year targets and long-term strategy, S.M.A.R.T. ensures your financial operations support healthy growth and resilience. Understanding Financial Risk in Today’s Business Climate Financial risk is multifaceted. It ranges from cash flow disruptions and market shifts to internal mismanagement and over-leveraged growth. As Brian Smith shared on a recent Daily Influence podcast episode, unchecked growth can drive a company into bankruptcy. Scaling without intention—chasing fast growth without aligning the internal team and financial resources—leads to diluted communication, quality issues, and operational chaos. Mitigating financial risk begins by understanding that more revenue doesn't always equal more stability. True sustainability comes from building systems that support intentional, well-paced growth. The S.M.A.R.T. Framework in Action: Reducing Financial Risk Our S.M.A.R.T. Management System guides businesses in creating resilient, financially stable operations through: 1. Specific: Build with Intentionality Clarity is power. One of our podcast guests, Mike Heatwole (CEO of The Dala Group), emphasized the importance of sitting down to define what matters most—whether that’s paying down debt, investing in growth, or launching a new venture. When your financial goals are specific, your strategy becomes targeted and less prone to reactive decision-making. “If we don’t know what the goal is, how do we get there?” — Mike Heatwole, CEO of The Dala Group 2. Measurable: Track What Matters Many companies are blindsided not by invisible risks, but by unmonitored ones. We help clients implement tools to track cash flow, margin fluctuations, and budget variances in real time. Visibility into your financial health gives you the power to respond early and course correct as needed. 3. Achievable: Assign Financial Stewardship Risk is reduced when financial responsibility is distributed. Through teamwide financial literacy and clear accountability, we empower organizations to make stronger daily decisions. No individual person should carry the entire burden—and no key area should go unmonitored. 4. Relevant: Make Risk Management a Habit Quarterly or biannual financial health check-ins create a sustainable rhythm. These don’t have to be complicated—they just need to be consistent. Regular reviews embed risk awareness into your company culture and decision-making process. 5. Timely: Foster Honest Dialogue Financial silence is a hidden threat. As Brian noted on the podcast, emotions like fear or shame can prevent businesses from facing financial realities. We encourage honest, blame-free communication around financial performance, creating space for solutions and collective action. Case in Point: Short-Term Action, Long-Term Impact One of our clients, a family-run distribution company, had strong revenue but was bleeding cash due to aging receivables. Together, we built a six-week S.M.A.R.T. Plan focused on accounts receivable recovery. We implemented weekly check-ins, assigned ownership, and used real-time tracking. Within 90 days, their outstanding A/R dropped by 22%, freeing up capital and restoring operational confidence. It’s Never Too Late to Get Financially Intentional Many leaders in their 40s, 50s, or 60s worry they’ve waited too long. But as Mike Heatwole wisely shared: “It’s never too late. Just get started. Do something.” Progress—not perfection—is the goal. Start small. Build momentum. Take the next best step. This mirrors a concept we love from The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan: measure progress based on how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. Final Thoughts: Make Financial Stability a Strategy Mitigating financial risk isn’t about a dramatic overhaul. It’s about consistent action, visibility, and intentional decision-making. With the S.M.A.R.T. Management System, IA Business Advisors helps businesses turn risk into clarity, fear into focus, and instability into opportunity. If you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help. Let’s have a conversation about what matters most to you—and build from there.

Enhancing Interpersonal Relationships for Toxic Workplace Recovery

May 29, 2025

Hello, team! Mary here, continuing our journey through the I in Team series, where we challenge and empower you to Find , Be , and Build Your Influence. One of the most common things we’re asked to help our clients with is toxic workplace recovery. This directly connects to the culture of the team, and while rebuilding that culture takes time and intention, it is absolutely possible. In fact, with the guidance of our I in Team approach and S.M.A.R.T. Management system, we’ve successfully helped more than 19,000 teams evolve into high-performing, values-based cultures. If you’re ready to take the lead and breathe life back into your team, we’re here and ready to support you. Practice Emotional Intelligence One of the most impactful steps you can take on your toxic workplace recovery journey is to practice emotional intelligence (the ability to recognize, understand, and manage both your own emotions and the emotions of those around you). Toxic environments are often the result of emotional disconnection, poor communication, unnecessary competition, and a culture that avoids constructive feedback. Begin by shifting your perspective: respond with empathy, ask thoughtful questions, and use “I” statements. These habits model two traits, emotional regulation and empathy, that influence how your team interacts and solves problems. Start small. For example, set a personal goal to give one piece of sincere praise or recognition per day. This is a S.M.A.R.T. goal, and it starts to reinforce positive emotional exchanges. Over time, this contributes to a psychologically safe environment where people feel seen and supported. Foster Open Communication Once emotional intelligence begins to take root, toxic workplace recovery is just around the corner. Open communication becomes more natural because when team members are aware of their own and others’ emotions, communication becomes seamless. The number one rule? Listen. Really listen. Without listening, communication is incomplete. Try implementing monthly influence partnerships—team pairings that rotate so members can get to know each other beyond surface-level roles. This creates connection and, when done with consistency (Timely), fosters trust across your team. Another way to build open communication is by creating a structured feedback loop. Clarify how and when feedback should be given—perhaps during weekly one-on-ones or monthly review meetings—and make sure all team members understand the difference between criticism and constructive feedback. S.M.A.R.T. feedback is Specific and Relevant, and when delivered with respect, it encourages team members to grow without fear. Lead by Example As we say throughout the I in Team series, everyone is a leader regardless of title. Whether you’re in the C-suite or just starting your first job, how you show up directly shapes the culture of your team. To begin, set some respectful boundaries rooted in your values. Let others know what you need to succeed and what behaviors support or disrupt your work. When disagreements arise, demonstrate what respectful disagreement looks like—calm, focused on solutions, and free from personal attacks. If your workplace has leaned into competition, shift the focus to collaboration. Collaborate on micro-goals, like shared tasks or cross-functional projects. Make the results Measurable and celebrate wins together (publicly, if possible). Consider S.M.A.R.T.-based team-building events (like problem-solving challenges or goal-setting workshops) to reinforce collaboration in a meaningful way. Final Thoughts Toxic workplace recovery starts with you. Every interaction, every word, every moment of listening is a chance to model what’s possible. Show up the way you want others to show up. If your team is struggling to rebuild or you need expert guidance, reach out . We’re here to help. Let’s keep influencing responsibly and positively together.