To go from wanting something to actually doing it, you need both the ability to take action and innovation. Often, people set ambitious goals or innovation plans. While this can speed things up and bring people together, it can also lead to waiting, frustration, and exhaustion. Having a good idea or plan isn't enough. What makes the Excelerator (Krachtbaan) different is its focus on the right actions and allowing for unexpected twists. Organizations can use this approach to better guide themselves and make progress.
Most of the time, we want to achieve big goals while avoiding risks and staying in control, even if we know it's not that simple. Predicting or shaping the future is uncertain. A few years ago, no one could have predicted how important smartphones, the internet, digital currency, or even Trump becoming President would be. Dealing with the future requires daily innovations, big and small, or else we risk facing difficulties, like Kodak, Nokia, the European Union, taxis, or the tax office did. And in the near future, without change, it'll be tough for polluters, administrative roles, or television.
In everyday life, people often face five challenges:
These challenges stand in the way of turning intentions into actions. The Krachtbaan (Strength Track), also known as the Excelerator, helps leaders take the next steps when dealing with significant changes. It's about more than just dealing with uncertainty; it's a process where thinking outside the box matters. What makes it fascinating is when you can still achieve your dreams even when they seem impossible.
Starting from where you are right now with an idea or desire is crucial. This is because action can only be taken here and now, in your unique situation. There are four starting points:
4: The idea or ambition is appealing but not feasible.
3: There are several promising options.
2: There's a concrete plan, and people are eager to move forward.
1: The idea or ambition has become a reality and works.
It's wise not to spend too much time justifying your current position. The best results often come from where you already are.
The key is to find inspiring examples and pay attention to underlying emotions. For instance, person-centered care was introduced in the Netherlands in 2006. Initially, experienced professionals were skeptical and thought providing care as they themselves wanted to be treated was impossible. In such cases, top-down strategies and innovation plans fall short.
Making a decision (yes or no) is about taking responsibility and ownership. It involves ambition, who makes the decision, and the scope. Decisions require commitment and the necessary resources and skills. For example, millions of Dutch people dream of writing a book, starting their own organization, or leading a healthier life. Without the right decision, these dreams remain unfulfilled.
Doing what clearly contributes to the goal and avoiding distractions is essential. This means consistently implementing a strategy or customer journey in practice, not just on paper.
Asking important questions leads to the right actions: What's the next step (for us/for me)? What do we need to move forward? Who can support us? Skipping a step can lead to wasted efforts. In organizations, different groups and even individuals within management or project teams often have different positions. This can result in everyone working toward different goals without clarity. Each position requires unique guidance, and relying on each other's strengths is crucial to overcoming modern challenges. Asking the right questions leads to the next step: What's the next step (for us/for me)? What do we need to move forward? Who can support us? Skipping a step can lead to wasted efforts.