Change means different things to different businesses and also to individual teams on the grid of the British Touring Car Championship. Wherever your business or teams, putting your head in the sand isn’t advisable to be alert to change.
Understanding change and why it is important is essential to the evolution of your business operation. By understanding the nuances of change will dictate your future direction; change doesn’t have to be huge (like acquiring another business, relocation etc.) they can be individual tiny changes to, for example, the setup of a racing car; just like Rob Austin faces with his Toyota Avensis for each and every round of the BTCC. Small changes, recording them and trying them all help the common narrative of going faster, and thus hopefully, achieving more success.
Change can also be out of your hands; a global event for example could trigger the need to review. Take the EU Referendum on 23 June 2016, as a key example. As we discovered recently, businesses haven’t seen any real fallout to the UK’s decision to exit, but that’s not to say it won’t happen. Businesses like HyperDrive are ready for any alteration in operating environment.
Here we understand change that could impact HyperDrive and the association with RAR in the BTCC:
Make the case and own it
As per racing, you are the subject matter experts, if a change needs to happen that could positively benefit your business then own it. In the BTCC, Rob’s ability to detect changes that are required is highly regarded; he’ll discuss changes required with his engineering team, and implement – if appropriate. Remember, there are many matters that are affected when it comes to change.
Company culture
The people within your business can be hugely resistant to something trying or bedding in something new. Do your homework, get “naysayers” on board and focus on the positives for the business at large.
Embracing technology
Technology and automation is enhancing productivity enabling your businesses to achieve more in a shorter period of time. Look at what the market is offering, this also often comes with the added benefit of reducing costs too. In totality, motor racing has to embrace technology for performance, “the show” and success.
Planning and communication
These are absolutely key. Without them, the change you are implementing is more likely than not to fail. Plan for every eventuality and factor in a contingency. Realistic timescales must also be applied. This often lets down a change project.
Keep all stakeholders – internal and/or external – involved; if the number is small enough the personable approach is preferred but it if it a technology project you are rolling out, keep your stakeholders involved by email, SMS, intranet, extranet etc. to ensure their expectations are managed.
In the BTCC, planning testing, implementing changes to car or personnel or heading in a new direction could have a fundamental impact to the RAR Handy team.
Transparency
Trying to pull the wool over your stakeholders eyes will be found out; outline the case in its entirety; whatever the business, racing team or operating environment and hide nothing.
Pigeon steps
To ensure change has every chance of success, take small steps. Do not introduce too many initiatives at one time that could baffle and confuse your business, staff and customers – this could lead to a detrimental backward step.
This is what Rob Austin Racing does so well, small steps helps the car go faster; it can be the same for your business!
Don’t fear the backward step
Sometimes, as a business and as professionals, to ensure success a backward step has to be considered. It doesn’t mean failure – which is nothing to be ashamed of either. Look at your project plan, weigh up the outcomes and communicate. Speak with peers and leaders within your business. If you have a mentor, have a chat with them.
In motor racing language, a change is not always a good one. Going back can sometimes give clarity to a situation. Performance is the end goal.
If you would like to come along to the RAR Business Network group on Friday, 12th August Knockhill, Scotland in the Handy Motorsport/RAR hospitality area, please email [email protected]
