The Coppice Cycle
A three-phase regeneration execution playbook modeled on how coppiced trees regrow from surviving root systems.
A three-phase regeneration execution playbook modeled on how coppiced trees regrow from surviving root systems. For organizations with Regeneration Readiness Score of 40-90.
When to Use The Coppice Cycle
When regeneration assessment shows moderate to high potential. After stabilizing immediate crisis. When core business has viable market but needs rebuilding.
How to Apply
Phase 1: Stabilize (Weeks 1-12)
Stop the bleeding and assess damage. Week 1-4: Cash management, secure 12+ month liquidity, establish crisis command. Week 4-8: Assess customer losses, talent flight risks, surviving capabilities. Week 8-12: Define regeneration strategy - identify core, plan pruning, articulate regeneration thesis.
Outputs
- 12+ month runway secured
- Damage assessment complete
- Regeneration strategy defined
Phase 2: Prune Aggressively (Months 3-12)
Execute cuts and reinvest in core. Months 3-6: Cut bottom 30-50% of products, exit non-competitive geographies, right-size headcount, consolidate offices. Months 6-12: Reallocate capital/talent/attention to core, double down on market traction, simplify organization.
Outputs
- Non-core activities eliminated
- Resources concentrated on core
- Organization simplified
Phase 3: Regrow from Core (Year 2-5)
Early regrowth (Year 2): Core metrics recovering, team morale stabilizing, customer confidence returning. Sustained regrowth (Year 3-5): Core business reaching/exceeding pre-crisis levels, new growth initiatives launching from position of strength, organization culture rebuilt.
Outputs
- Revenue growth resumed
- Pre-crisis levels achieved
- New growth initiatives launched