PIVOT!! – with Purpose and Retrospect – A Proactive Way Forward

By Carol Sefret, former CMS Director

Picture the stairwell sofa scene from Friends and hear Ross say, “PIVOT!?!?”  On the heels of the smile or giggle should come an awareness that pivoting is what we are doing right now in the world of government contracting. The question is, “What does the pivot look like and what are pivoting to?”

Skip the Jargon

Don’t say, “Let’s think outside the box!”  That’s not an answer, that’s buzzword bingo. Before we can “think outside of the box,” we need to understand the box and what shaped it. Some of us old-timers recognize the box was initially built as the pivot away from negative circumstances.

When industry experienced competitive unfairness toward small business, the government pivoted with subcontracting and small business goals. When corporate conflicts of interest ensued, the government pivoted with new protocols for identification and firewalls. When the nation experienced security issues in telecommunications, the government pivoted with protective regulations.

Strategizing the Pivot

Knowing the history behind government contracting changes can help us pivot effectively. Pivoting is often two steps forward, one step back. Think of the sofa moving scene. In order to move forward, we may need to take a step back to review the history of federal contracting that has set the foundation of our current laws and regulations.

To successfully implement the new vision of contracting, we must start with knowledge of what’s worked in the past and what has not. We need to examine what has led to burdensome paperwork over purpose and what has led to actual protection of federal dollars. Where there is deliberation and thoughtful planning behind change, government can be unstuck from the negative stereotype of unnecessary bureaucracy—the hinderance to accomplishing great things.  some of what hinders it. When change becomes shoving a square peg into a circle…… well, you’ve got the visual we started with.

Your Business Pivot

As you read and observe current changes being made, pay less attention to forecasting what may fall next. Think internally  how you may be able to pivot to align with some of the results that must come with change. Consider whether there are strategies you can implement to streamline, to invest, to position for the time when the sofa is cleared of the corner and is ready to move ahead.

Not everything in existence is bad, and not everything new is good. Innovation is great when used appropriately. Change is great, but not just for the sake of change. Innovation and change are effective when considered with historical perspective and an eye to the ultimate goal.

PIVOT with a PURPOSE, PIVOT with RETROSPECT, just PIVOT!

About Carol Sefret

After 36 years of federal service, like many sharing their stories, she too was RIF’d. That notice and kick out the door was heartbreaking, but she’s not done! Instead she is using her talents as a subject matter expert in contracting, appropriation and professional development to help companies pivot and prepare for next steps.

You can connect with Carol on LinkedIn here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-sefret-03729335a/

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