Some people enjoy riding roller coasters. They love the crazy ups and downs. They love the rush of the wind in their faces. They ride the thrill and they step onto solid ground when the roller coaster slows to a halt and the ride is over.

Sometimes business work seems like a roller coaster ride...fast-paced, with ups and downs, with highs and lows, with lots of curves, with some squealing as brakes are put on, and with a few jerks along the way. But business roller coasters differ from those at amusement parks. In business, most times you cannot get off a roller coaster and this is especially true when the roller coaster is speeding, out-of-control, downhill, with sparks flying.

So, how can you get off a business roller coaster when it is out of control?

Let's make the question a little more challenging: How do you get off a business roller coaster when it is out of control and you own it?

Answer:

1. Change is required...all key people in the business, including the leader, must change. Change starts with one individual then it spreads to others.
2. Change must be planned...objective 3rd party advice helps.
3. Change must be gradual...but the change must be ongoing, directed, and evident to all - partners, shareholders, employees, clients, suppliers, business allies, etc.
4. Change must be discussed...and repeated. Interesting, pertinent, real-life stories help.

When your business is on a roller coaster the best people are looking for a smoother ride.