#120: Triangulation

In executing strategy, we bring about change. Sometimes, this change seems to come easily, other times, it feels really, really hard. We divide our time between understanding how to make change easier (process) and actually making change happen (output).

Things start to happen when:

• There is a need (real or perceived). The person who invented the phrase 'no pain, no gain' (pun intended) had a lot of foresight! A 'need' is foundational. If an investment is made without inventing or discovering a need, nothing is going to happen, or something bad is going to happen (think 'failed projects' and 'wasted resources' and 'frustration').
  
• Resources are applied to fulfill the need. Sometimes even a little bit is enough. At other times, even a lot is not enough.
  
• The timing is right. This is intangible but often crucial element. Finding the right timing is part science, seems mostly art. It requires the right mixture of intuitiveness and experience and risk taking ability to spot 'timing'.
  

Does having all three ensure success? A lot could go wrong in execution, nothing can be taken for granted. Needs or priorities may change, leaving assumption about timing in shambles.

The point being, after identifying critical success factors (3 examples are given above) and evaluating them individually, try 'triangulation' as an additional step to assess the readiness for change and success.