Every business organization – large and small – has 
the tendency, over time, to lose its edge, become complacent, drifting into a level of mediocrity which reduces the competitive position of the company. Employees feel it first, then supervision, management and leadership levels notice. Along the way the customer notices that the product or service is not as reliable or responsive as it used to be and they then turn to seek other alternatives in the marketplace.
Mediocrity becomes the norm and the business loses it’s competitive edge.
Improving Personal Performance
We all know what happens when we are personally stimulated. We are more alert, ready to act, and prepared to go the extra mile. Repeated stimulation targeted at areas of our body or behavior, over time, creates “muscle” memory so that we begin to perform at a new level without the presence of the stimulation. The new performance becomes the new norm.
Using a golf-pro to get suggestions about improving your golf back swing, grip, or stance will lead (with practice) to a positive change in how you play the game. The same is true to improve a tennis serve, effectiveness in aerobic or weight training, or casting when fly-fishing.
If we know this is true for us as individuals, then imagine how effective it can be in a business context.
Improving Business Performance
Stimulation techniques for businesses are designed to change behavior that will improve company performance. While it is possible for an organization to develop a new behavior on its own, it is often necessary to introduce an external stimulus. Sometimes a business will receive an unplanned stimulus such as a serious product quality problem or loss of a major customer. Experiencing a crisis condition is a wake up call to change company behavior
On the other hand, responsible management will recognize that company behavior needs to change prior to experiencing an unplanned crisis condition that could affect profitability and reputation. They will consider one of the following eight steps to stimulate their organization to improve company behavior and performance.
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One of the greatest downfalls of an effective planning process is the absence of effective reviews during the planning period. If the review is only done annually then the organization will wonder if the plan has any teeth. A plan under a quarterly review process is more likely to be effective as objectives and resources are adjusted as new information is collected. Managers and employees are more likely to be stimulated by a believable plan than one that does not receive much attention if it not looked at for a year.
Summary
The eight suggestions above are actions that I have used, participated in or seen used in other organizations that generated significant results. As a senior member of your organization ask yourself the following questions about the organization:
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If you are not comfortable with your answers to a number of these questions then you need to stimulate your business.
