When mid-point results are not what leaders had hoped for or expected, adjustments need to be made. Smart leaders course-correct when they need to. They aren’t bashful to admit that the initial strategy isn’t working perfectly and that they need to make adjustments mid-stream.
It often turns out that making a mid-point adjustment is often the winning strategy. Consider the findings of professors Jonah Berger and Devin Pope, who explored whether losing during a competitive contest can motivate teams and individuals to perform better overall.
The duo examined more than 18,000 NBA games and found something startling. Namely, that trailing slightly at half-time led to a significant increase in winning percentage.
Teams likely made adjustments at half-time they probably wouldn’t have made had they been leading in the game. Those strategic adjustments led to more wins.
Assessing the strategy in place at the mid-point is a good idea whether it is working or not. Improving on the strategy or game plan typically involves revisiting initial assumptions that have turned out to be false or inaccurate. By updating the assumption set, leaders can quickly pivot to a better plan forward.
It’s also a good idea to evaluate the performance of key contributors at the mid-point. It may be that who was expected to perform at a high level isn’t up to it and a reassignment of duties or roles needs to be made. Leaders who stick with their top performers no matter what the evidence is often go down in flames with them. A leader doesn’t always have to replace these contributors. Giving them a new assignment commonly does the trick.
Taking a hard look at what has changed in the environment since the start of the initiative or game is also important work. Market changes, the competitive landscape, and technology can move quickly and create enormous differences that weren’t anticipated. Adjusting for these differences before heading toward completion is also essential.
Aside from sports, too many leaders fail to adjust their strategy and game plans mid-stream to the detriment of a great result. Short-term adjustments are the key to long-term success. Even small or tiny adjustments can affect the outcome.
So, remember that, as the truth presents itself, good leaders adapt. All initiatives, projects, and games are metaphorically played on a sailboat. Adjust those sails for the wind.
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
