When implementing any improvement process in an already busy atmosphere, resistance and problems can be expected. In fact, more often than not, efficiency and effectiveness may seem to go down prior to going up! We call this “the dip,” and it is normal (and necessary) to jump up to the next level. 

Our analogy is that you can't change a tire on the car as it speeds down the road. If you try to keep going with a flat tire, the journey becomes unsafe and unsustainable. We all know that the trip can't be completed without stopping to fix that tire... it’s the right and necessary step to ensure you can continue moving forward. Of course, taking the time to repair it will temporarily slow you down, but in the long run, it’s what allows you to reach your destination safely. Sometimes, a brief pause for maintenance is what ensures lasting success.

The key is recognizing the dip for what it truly is: an investment period before the payoff. It’s uncomfortable, it may feel counterproductive, but it is essential to reaching the next level of performance.

Terri’s Take on the Dip: A Real-Life Lesson from the Road

We were about five hours into our eight-hour road trip to Florida. We had four adults, two kids, and a vehicle full of snacks and vacation anticipation. Spirits were high, the car was quiet, and we were making great time. Suddenly, I hit a flat metal object in the road… unavoidable. At first, everything seemed fine. Then, a dashboard warning light flicked on. It was the battery light.

My mind began processing why the illuminated warning light was on. It had to be something minor. I replaced my battery less than six months ago, so it still had lots of life left, right? Maybe something got knocked loose. I even wondered if I could just hit something on the other side of the car to “balance it out.” (Spoiler: that didn’t work.)

Still convinced it wasn’t serious, I considered pushing through. Maybe, I thought, if I turned my vehicle off and back on, the hard “reset” would clear the warning light. But then reality kicked in: What if the battery is loose and we stop for gas, and the car doesn’t start again? Eventually, I pulled over at a nearby AutoZone to check things out.

Turns out, it wasn’t the battery… it was the alternator. And no, we couldn't keep driving. A local shop replaced it, which meant a three-hour delay in a small, humid lobby with tired, hungry passengers. It wasn’t convenient, and it wasn’t fun. But it was necessary.

And when we got back on the road, we had peace of mind knowing the car was running as it should. 

Facing the Unexpected in Business

Just like our road trip dilemma, law firms often encounter their own “breakdowns” and "dips" when implementing significant changes, such as introducing a new case management system. Switching to a new case management system often feels like the perfect solution: a quick fix to streamline workflows and solve all your firm’s challenges. But the reality is rarely that simple. Implementing a new system comes with its own set of challenges, like a learning curve for the team, workflow adjustments, and temporary dips in productivity. It’s important to view this as an investment, not an instant solution. While the transition may take time and effort, the payoff is a more efficient, reliable system that sets your firm up for long-term success. Patience and adaptability are key to making the most of the change.

Understanding these challenges is crucial to navigating the transitional phase effectively. It’s during this period that valuable operational insights can be gleaned, helping your team adapt to the new system while uncovering opportunities for improvement. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, they should be seen as pivotal learning moments that can drive more informed decisions and refine processes. With this mindset, the temporary dip can become a stepping stone toward greater operational excellence.

Here's how you do it.

Operational Lessons from the Dip

1. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Whether it's a dashboard light in your car or frustration brewing among your team, symptoms should always be acknowledged (not dismissed or delayed). These early signals are there for a reason, and ignoring them rarely leads to improvement. In fact, small issues left unchecked tend to grow into bigger, more expensive problems over time. Taking immediate action may feel inconvenient, but it’s the smarter choice in the long run.
2. Quick fixes aren’t real solutions. Attempting to “rebalance” the system without addressing the underlying issue might provide temporary relief, but it won’t solve the real problem. For example, patching over cracks in processes or relationships without identifying the root cause just delays the inevitable. Ultimately, sustainable solutions require time, effort, and a willingness to dig deeper into what’s truly causing the issue.
3. Trust the process and the experts. I didn’t know anything about alternators when my car broke down, so I had to trust the technician’s expertise and follow their advice. Similarly, in business, there are times when you need to trust your data, your team, or your coach...even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. The expertise of others and proven processes are often what’s needed to guide you through challenges and deliver the results you’re after.
4. Delays are sometimes the safest path forward. While waiting for my car to be repaired cost me time, it gave me the security of knowing the vehicle was safe and reliable again. The same principle applies to process improvement or decision-making. Sometimes a short-term slowdown or pause is a necessary trade-off to achieve greater stability and long-term performance. It’s better to proceed cautiously and get it right than to rush forward and risk more significant setbacks later.
5. Small steps lead to big progress. Tackling a large problem or project can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into small, manageable steps ensures steady progress. Each small step builds momentum and confidence, ultimately leading to the achievement of larger goals. Even the longest journeys are accomplished one step at a time.
6. Flexibility fosters resilience. Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, and being adaptable allows us to face these obstacles with confidence. Don't view flexibility as abandoning plans. Instead, think of it as adjusting strategies to suit new circumstances. By staying open to change, we develop the resilience needed to thrive even in unpredictable situations.

Enjoy the Ride

The dip is real, and it’s rough. It can feel like everything is falling apart, and the progress you’ve been working toward is slipping further away. But here’s the thing: the dip is also a sign that you’re moving toward something better. Growth isn’t always a straight path, and like our Florida road trip, the destination is still there, even if the road gets bumpy. You just need to trust the process, take a closer look at the true issues holding you back, and keep moving forward with intention and purpose. So when things feel worse before they feel better, take a moment to pause. Reflect on how far you’ve come, remind yourself why you started, and remember: This may be the dip. And it means growth, change, and progress are waiting on the other side. Keep going... you’re closer than you think.