Book Report – Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters

Radio Spot A

Is your drive too hard for most people on your team? Do you find results to be inconsistent as a result? Perhaps you’re battling a dysfunctional culture that lacks openness and honesty? Do you have a reluctance to let go of certain roles and responsibilities? Are you quickly and easily bored? Is it fair to say you resist following standardized processes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s likely you’re a Visionary. You’re an excellent salesperson and an energized leader yet you’ve likely lost control of the operation. Growth has slowed, margins have tightened, staff members are getting testier, and you’re considering doing a dixie off the Zakim. Don’t. It could be that you simply need an Integrator, a solid head of operations who can help you get back on track. Don’t touch that dial.

Radio Spot B

Do you feel as if you have a thankless job at work? Are you underappreciated, lacking the recognition you’re certain you deserve? Are you convinced employees snicker behind your back, calling you Captain Negative or The Idea Hole Poker? Do you do the firing at the shop? Can we assume you’re the bad guy who does the dirty work and says “no” far more often than “yes”? Are you lonesome tonight, are you feeling alright? Celebrate the fact that you’re a rock solid manager, a true believer in planning, organizing, and building a culture of accountability – and don’t despair. More than likely, you’re an Integrator in search of your ideal-fit company led by the right Visionary. It’s okay – you can admit it. Go ahead. It’ll be much better once you do. Operators are standing by.

Action Steps

If you in any way relate to the above, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters. While relatively slim at 190 pages, it’s loaded with lists, charts, and practical recommendations for (re)shaping your organization into one that gets things done. The authors admonish executives to not go it alone and as they expertly demonstrate, someone has to generate exciting new ideas while another follows closely behind delivering upon that vision. Note that V’s and I’s are quite different yet complement each other perfectly. The ideal V/I mix manifests itself in a shared plan of having meaningful 90-day goals executed through regularly scheduled meetings. “Once the quarterly priorities are set,” say Wickman and Winters, “you must meet on a weekly basis to stay focused, solve issues, and communicate.” The result of constant monitoring and staying on track? It’s “a consistent cadence that keeps you and the team in step.” Sound easy? Naturally, like anything else worth doing in business it’s far simpler said than done. If you’re ready for a step, get the book or at least check out the website of one of their outstanding system implementers.

Disclaimer

Warning: Ignoring the signs of poor V/I balance can lead to dizziness, swelling of the ankles, fits of rage, restless legs syndrome, wild mood swings, uncontrollable belching, and incessant scratching. Consult your doctor. Never operate heavy machinery while battling poor V/I balance.