Enterprise Life Cycle™

Enterprise renewal often starts with the recognition of a simple and inevitable curve – the Enterprise Life Cycle™. The curve begins with a slow rise. At some point, it takes off in a steep climb. Eventually, the climb begins to level out and the curve plateaus. In time, the curve begins to fall.

The curve for any given enterprise may be more or less steep, its phases more or less long. In general, the Enterprise Life Cycle™ is tightening. Under intensified economic conditions, the plateau at the top is shorter and the sides are steeper. That makes the sweet spot – the optimum renewal zone – more important to spot, and easier to miss.

The optimum renewal zone is the place where momentum is strong and the curve has not quite begun to plateau. A renewal strategy at this point yields the biggest results with the least impact, because energy in the enterprise is strong. The organization’s existing momentum is harnessed to create a new preferred future.

If the organization waits too long, if the enterprise moves into plateau or even decline, intervention becomes more difficult. Renewal strategies at this point create more stress, at a time when there is less energy available.

Understanding where the enterprise is today, and setting the stage for timely renewal, are critical roles for senior leaders. The mindset is attentive and proactive. There’s not as much time to coast at the top as there used to be. If momentum has begun to slow, there’s a renewal opportunity at hand.

The ability to recreate – to understand the Enterprise Life Cycle™ and renew in the optimum window – has become a fundamental requirement for creative and sustainable enterprise. If you’re leading an enterprise, there’s a conversation waiting.