As an expert in restructuring, our Finance Manager Kurt Safrata, has analyzed, accompanied, and rescued many companies in crisis situations. Particularly in times of crisis, weaknesses and legacy issues are ruthlessly exposed. He says that almost invariably, inadequate communication is lamented in the affected companies. Whether as an external consultant or overall responsible party, a delicate balancing act is needed.
On one hand: Every crisis presents an opportunity, and significant evolutionary steps can be quickly initiated. Often, it’s not just a matter of adjusting a few things; sometimes, the entire business strategy needs to be reconsidered.
On the other hand: Especially in the initial phase of a crisis, profound changes are difficult to implement. This requires time, personnel, and financial resources, all of which are scarce during an acute crisis, and key personnel are typically engaged in their daily work.
Last but not least: A promising restructuring concept must always build upon a company’s competencies and strengths, whether it’s profitable business fields and customer segments, efficient organizational units, or experienced employees who make the difference compared to competitors.
Therefore, especially at the outset of restructuring, it’s crucial to consider what is functioning well and providing useful results and data. Only after initial stabilization is it possible to reconfigure poorly performing processes and organizational units.