First, let me say thanks to everyone who has been so supportive of my training and message at the NSA conference.
As a business consultant who focuses on momentum, I am always looking for what I call “The Seeds of Momentum”. In other words, do I see activity that ultimately results in growth? For those of you in the NSA business culture, I wanted to share my thoughts about your conference as it relates to that issue.
First, I did see seeds of momentum and I think they can accelerate your growth faster than ever IF they are properly cultivated and given time to grow. Change is part of growth for any culture. However, change often takes time to produce results. Always remember that speed kills. Change is a process, not an event. Below are just a couple “seeds” that stood out to me.
1. There is no question that there is an enhancement going on with the opportunity culture at NSA. Equally, it is very clear that it is being done in a manner that will significantly enhance your product culture. I think my message at the conference is a testament to this enhancement and also a reminder of the importance of having an opportunity message at this time in history.
2. Great companies invest in the future. They continue to innovate and support all areas that drive momentum. It was clear at the conference that NSA corporate and leadership are fully engaged in making the future better. Whether from product enhancements, new research, or new systems, the NSA leadership is clearly investing in the future and understand that NOW is the time to engage, not retract like so many other business cultures in the marketplace today.
3. One of the areas I look for when studying momentum are new voices in leadership. Why? Because it shows growth in leadership. There were many new voices on the stage in Memphis. Although the message and character of this leadership is so congruent with the NSA product culture, it is a good momentum sign to see new faces in leadership. Equally, it was good to see the veteran leadership more committed than ever and excited for the new leadership to EARN their titles and be more visible as leaders.
4. As always, there were so many new people at the conference. New people are the lifeblood of growth, and it was clear at this conference that a large percentage of the crowd was there for the first time. Even in a tough economic climate, many understood the value of this conference and made the sacrifices necessary to be a part of it. That is a great momentum sign.
If I were to leave you with a final thought, it would involve 2 words – integrate and engage. There was so much shared at the conference, but you have to remember that for information to have value it has to be put into action. It is critical to integrate what you learned so you and your teams can gain value from it. Finally, this is the time to engage and go to work. There are only a couple times in a lifetime where unique opportunities are taking place. If you recall, I referred to these as “inflection points”. These times are critical to recognize because if you see them and go to work, the rewards can be so much bigger down the road. One of the seeds that each of you must plant is work. I am confident that if you work hard, the rewards will be great. Of course there will be challenges and obstacles along the way. That is just part of the journey in life for all of us.
Once again, I thank all of you for your support. I will continue to work hard to EARN my way.
Best Wishes,
Gordon Hester
I have had a number of people request the PowerPoint slides I used in Memphis so they can use them in their meetings. I decided to post them here because I feel it is important to make them available to everyone.
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