By: Hans Bool
In the organizational caverns of a company we encounter professionals that normally operate in a pure business environment. One of such a professional is the trader.The trader is someone who anticipates on a possible event or trend. He has an idea of a trade and if things turn out different, he trades one scenario for another. The trader is continuously engaged in trading one "option" for another option. The agenda of the trader is filled with options that represent (business) alternatives.
Managers also fulfill the role of traders. The continue to evaluate alternatives. Thinking about them increases the creative process and may lead to new business opportunities. But there are also managers who resist taking decisions and subsequent actions.
Managers often have not previously thought of an alternative or have no what-if-scenario ready. They are surprised by events and therefore not prepared to take action.
A simple example is one most people are familiar with. A school has prepared an excursion and has summoned students to be on time. What happens often is that someone gets late. What does (school) management do in this case? Just wait and see? But than for how long? If it waits too long new problems will arise.
A good management practice is to be prepared. What-if people (clients) do not show up? What is our plan B. And (thus) what to do then? School management can have a directive: if people are late we wait for 5 minutes or we don't wait at all. But management means being in control what ever happens.
That is trading, similar to trading on the stock-market. It is a dynamic behavior constantly adapting to the market / business / organizational situation.
Copyright © 2009 Hans Bool
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