Turnaround

About the Author

Lisa Gable, the author of Turnaround: How to Change Course When Things Are Going South, is a seasoned expert in revitalizing failing organizations. With over 30 years of experience in various leadership roles, including as a CEO, U.S. ambassador, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, Gable has a proven track record of executing successful turnarounds across multiple sectors. She is currently the CEO of FARE, a leading organization focused on fighting food allergies. Gable's work is renowned for its blend of discipline, process engineering, and diplomatic finesse. Her deep understanding of both private and public sector dynamics allows her to navigate complex challenges and lead organizations to renewed success.

Main Idea

Turnaround offers a structured four-step method for revitalizing troubled ventures, emphasizing the importance of a disciplined approach to process engineering, breaking down the past, and re-envisioning the future. Gable provides practical strategies for leaders at all levels to diagnose and solve deep-rooted organizational issues, focusing on setting clear goals, building strong partnerships, and executing plans with speed and precision. The book is a comprehensive guide for anyone facing the daunting task of leading a turnaround, whether they are CEOs, managers, or individual contributors looking to make a significant impact.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Turnaround Method
• Why Things Go South
• The Turnaround Method
• How to Lead a Successful Turnaround
• Step 1: Visualize the Future
• Step 2: Break Down the Past
• Step 3: Create a Path From Present to Future
• Step 4: Execute with Speed, Confidence, and Heart

Introduction: The Turnaround Method

The introduction sets the stage by addressing the common challenges faced by organizations in distress. Gable introduces her turnaround method, which is rooted in the discipline of process engineering. This approach involves thoroughly reevaluating all aspects of an organization’s operations and restructuring them to align with a clear vision for the future. The method's success hinges on the leader's ability to inspire and manage change with diplomacy and a focus on relationships.

"Every day, projects, teams, and organizations find themselves stuck with a seemingly intractable problem." - Lisa Gable

Gable emphasizes that a successful turnaround begins with acknowledging the problem without preconceived notions. By stepping back and viewing the situation objectively, leaders can avoid common pitfalls such as quick fixes or superficial changes. Instead, they must dig deep to uncover the root causes of the issues plaguing their organization.

Why Things Go South

Gable identifies seven key reasons why organizations falter, including poorly designed processes, overreliance on financial solutions, and leadership decisions driven by ego rather than the organization's best interests. She emphasizes that understanding these underlying issues is crucial for successful turnaround efforts. The section also highlights the impact of external disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in exposing these vulnerabilities.