The need to get back to the basics – what a wonderful idea and, when people say such things in team meetings or at strategy sessions, it sounds like such a moment of brilliance and wisdom.

How easy has it become to say “we need to get back to the basics” and “we’ve lost sight of the basics” and for everyone to nod in appreciation – even break out in applause?

It’s one thing to then immediately and doggedly get back to them and another to say it only to sound clever.

What is the bigger picture? 

I think the bigger picture is more along these lines:

• The activity conscience is not working.
• Integrity has gone walk-about.
• Accountability is sorely lacking.
• Measurements are not raising the red flags needing to be raised.
• The business is running on excuses.
• You have forgotten that audacious goals are met by taking care of all the little things.
• A culture of finger pointing has taken hold.
• You are no better than the competition next door.
• You get annoyed when your customers complain as they don’t get you and your requirements.
• Fear is present and is standing in the way of doing the right thing.

What are the basics of success?

I have facilitated thousands of experiential programmes and in activity debriefs, the most common list of basic requirements for success are as follows:

1. Communication
2. Teamwork
3. Planning

Can you say with a clear conscience that these three things are working as they should in your organization?

Teaming up with The Ripple Effect can be viewed as a basic requirement for getting the basics to work in your team.

By Louis Gerke

Development Facilitator – The Ripple Effect

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