March With Determination
“There is at least one point in the history of any company when you have to change dramatically to rise to the next level of performance.” — Andrew S.
Phase 1 was about letting chaos reign because leaders who lean into chaos are the ones who turn disruption into advantage. In this phase, you opened up the gates to let your ideas collide and resisted the urge to force clarity.
But where should you turn your attention for phase 2?
Across industries, teams are running dozens of AI pilots. Some succeed while many fizzle. But nearly all share the same problem of wasted momentum. Meanwhile, their competitors are moving in the following sectors (Mid-Year 2025 Middle Market Indicator Report):
Manufacturing: 90% of manufacturers grew at 11.8% and expect continued growth into 2026, reflecting a clear opportunity despite a broader slowdown.
Technology: Leading the pack with 14.5% revenue growth and steady job gains, technology takes center stage.
Retail and AI: Retailers are ahead in adopting AI for analytics and automation, building a structural advantage compared to other markets.
Construction: 90% reported revenue growth, matching middle market averages and showing resilience.
Financial Services: Growth is slowing (from 10.8% to 9.6%) but still leaves room for deliberate, strategic moves.
As Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." Chaos in any industry is a promise wherever opportunity exists. But clarity and commitment are what separate those who capture it from those who stall.
In one case, a CEO realized his organization was stuck in “permanent testing mode.” The signs were obvious. Innovation was happening in silos, enthusiasm was high, but nothing scaled. Once he recognized the inflection point, it became clear that the time for pilots was over. Ideas could no longer be the main focus. The next move was to determine a clear execution strategy.
Phase 2: March With Determination
Andrew Grove once described phase 2’s shift as moving from “let chaos reign” to “a determined march.” Early on, experimentation is necessary. But once signals are clear, leaders must act with focus and conviction. The companies that hesitate will be overtaken by those that commit to any one of 5 actions:
1. AI & Automation
During phase 2, AI is not a lab experiment anymore. AI is a driver of:
Customer experience
Efficiency
Margin advantage
Endless pilots dilute progress. Even a small amount of traction is enough to identify which AIs deliver results and scale them into your core operations.
I recently analyzed a client’s demographic and area data, and without AI, it would never have revealed critical blind spots in their customer segments. More than a pilot, AI becomes a lens that reveals insights and blind spots often overlooked.
2. Supply Chain Resilience
Analysis is only half the job to begin a determined march. The real move is reshaping your footprint for future growth, which means making moves to:
Diversify your suppliers
Nearshore where possible
Building systems that protect you against the next disruption
I recently ordered something a month ago, and the vendor just sent an ‘I’m sorry this is taking so long’ email. Don’t let this be you. This is also not a green light to buy too much inventory because what is your plan C if you need it?
Stability is earned through structure, not spreadsheets.
3. Reallocate Resources
Split bets spread your focus too thin in the long run. Redirect your capital and talent into future-focused strategies with the highest return. Incrementalism may feel safe, but it rarely wins in times of change.
4. Align The Organization
Clarity is oxygen to a business. Once the direction is set, communicate it relentlessly. People cannot execute against ambiguity. Everyone should know their “marching orders” and how their role connects to the bigger strategy at play.
5. Act With Speed
Momentum compounds. Each month you hesitate is a month your competitor secures a lead in efficiency, market share, or customer loyalty. The cost of waiting too long to make a decision results in a loss of competitive advantage.
As you move into Q4, ask yourself one critical question: Where are we still testing when we should already be marching?
Leadership Must Reach Beyond Ideas In The March Towards 2026
Strategic Inflection Points demand more than ideas. They demand your leadership. The strongest companies move from scattered experiments to clear commitments, shifting from exploration to a determined march into 2026. Take a hard look at your pilots. Keep the ones that earn a place in your playbook, retire the rest, and set the pace with bold execution.
SCALE helps business owners navigate moments like these, but it sometimes takes a fresh set of eyes on the puzzle to reveal the move that changes the game. Solve your most pressing puzzle with Tamika Tyson to move into 2026 with clarity and confidence.
At SCALE, we make the improbable possible – Strategically Cultivating Acceleration Leveraging Expertise using our GPS Framework. Expect to break through barriers, scale your company, and maximize value so you can successfully exit or transition on your terms.