Recent reading prompted reflection on the differences between regroup, reinvigorate, and reinvent.
Regroup: After being defeated, attacked, or undersold in the marketplace, individuals and teams reassemble into new groups and projects in order to make new progress. A regroup requires effort, although not as much effort as a reinvention. Regrouping can include a change in the people working on a project; a change in the project definition and scope; and changes in both people and project goals. Some technology clients regroup after every product release, reformulating teams and assigning new projects. Each regrouping effort typically also requires reinvigoration.
Reinvigorate: This verb means giving new energy to, strength to or emphasis on work, projects, or activities. When efforts are flagging or falling short, an opportunity to reinvigorate is at hand. Some teams take a field trip out of their areas of expertise to reinvigorate. Individuals take vacations or even year-long sabbaticals to reinvigorate. Organizational and product rebranding can be an act to reinvigorate, or even to reinvent.
Reinvent: Changing something so much that it appears to be entirely new is reinvention. Products can be reinvented, as can services. People can reinvent themselves and their careers. The word “new” on product packaging doesn’t mean reinvention in all cases. At other times (think New Coke and Classic Coke), “new” does mean a reinvented product that may, or may not, find market acceptance. Reinvention is just as challenging as original invention because of existing mindsets and beliefs that can be challenging to overcome in order to reinvent and create something new.
When regrouping isn’t enough, it is time to reinvent; time to wholly change what you do and how you do it; time to reconsider whom your target audience is and how to reach them. Recall this reinvention example: the legendary story of FORD Motor Company determining that they are not a “car business” but rather a “transportation company.” Their change in focus expanded the business and products offered.
Today is a great day to reflect upon what you and your teams need to be successful for the rest of the year, and in years to come. What are you and your team focused on? What would benefit you to focus upon?