Thinking Big...And Long!

"Go big or go home".  I love that saying.  It stirs a desire to be brave, take action and attempt dramatic goals to achieve amazing results.

But risk-taking alone does not often end up with results that are sustainable.  For that you need to include a more long-term, strategic approach as well.

Thinking big and long requires a solid understanding of the fundamentals of success - proven considerations such as:

• exceeding the customer's expectations
• consistency in delivery of service by employees
• effective teamwork
• an internal culture of excellence, integrity, and passion
• leaders who model appropriate behavior
• establishing non-negotiable core values, vision, and standards
• balancing decisions based on employees, customers, and financial/operational outcomes

Everyone wants success - but they also want that success to be long-term.  When deciding actions to grow your organization, only the best leaders/businesses demand both the long-term sustainable elements as well as the continuous efforts to aggressively strive for "game-changing" ideas that will WOW customers, engage employees, and produce growth and results everyone can be proud of.

Imagine the difference if everyone legitimately pursued world-class excellence.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Safety Net or Hammock?

Preparing for a future that is never really known (until it is the present) can be a risky venture.  Putting back-up plans and "just in case" support mechanisms in place is a good idea to mitigate that risk.  After all, safety (and personal/organizational health) is important.

But we need to be careful about being too careful.

People often create a safety net of contingency plans that slowly, over time becomes a hammock of comfortable (low-risk) settling.  Playing it too safe, too often, is not healthy.  In fact, it actually becomes dangerous - which is, ironically, the very thing we set out to avoid.  What is originally intended as a safety net can (if we're not vigilant) become a hammock - that can lull you into complacency.  Which leads to a dull, listless life of settling.

There is a saying: "If you hit the target every time, you are too close to the target".  Growth requires challenging our abilities and capabilities. 

When was the last time you attempted to do something important to you where you had less than a 50/50 chance of success?  That always generates a higher level of focus, creativity, and effort...and growth!
So, what do you want - dynamic growth or letting yourself get sucked into a hammock of mediocrity?

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Inspiration or Irritation?

There are THOUSANDS of leadership books out there all spouting off about how, if you want to be a good leader, you must be a role model of excellence, quality, integrity, etc.  When done well, embodying these traits can be a faith-building source of encouragement.

But is it possible to over-do it?

In other words, are your efforts to be an excellent role model inspiring...or irritating?

When someone - even a role model - is not relatable, it can actually put off members of your team instead of engaging them.  Being completely competent in your behaviors is only half of the requirement of being a leader.  Unless there is a relationship with your team, your "good example" efforts can be seen as distancing you from their "mere mortal" results.

The solution?  Be a role model of humility.  Be a role model of honesty.  Be "real".  Share (appropriately) your shortcomings, your pain and concerns - in a way that they can identify with withOUT undermining their confidence in your or the journey you are all jointly traveling.  This will help them see that you are experiencing the same "reality" that they are challenged with - and you are choosing to strategically persevere and have a positive attitude through it all.  Just like they can.

So they continue following you and everyone benefits. 

Just a natural consequence of NOT being irritating - and, instead, being an inspirational leader.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Buen Camino!

Are you yearning for an adventure?  How about one that is an internal adventure as well?

There is an experience that has been commonly described as "life changing" by nearly everyone who has attempted it.  It involves about a month of time, a lot of personal effort, and the willingness to take the first step...and a lot of steps afterwards.

The adventure?  The famed El Camino de Santiago.  A 500 mile walking pilgrimage across northern Spain and/or parts of France.  Similar to the Appalachian Trail in the U.S., the Camino de Santiago crosses countless villages, 4 mountain ranges, and expansive stretches of open country that allow for a unique life experience. 

The external adventure is definitely worth the price of admission, but it is the internal adventure that makes the experience life-changing.

Adventurers attempt "El Camino" for many different reasons, but all find that the time spent in deep thought creates a clarity of insight(s) that forever enhances the quality of Life afterwards.

So, how much is THAT worth?

Along the journey, a common phrase is "Buen Camino", (which literally means "good path") is generally received as "good luck and happy travelling".  It also has a deeper meaning - an acknowledgment that you see a person who is searching for "perfection".  This is related to the "pilgrimage" intent.  Becoming your best self - what God intends - is the goal.

How are you "doing" your life?  Are you merely existing and going with whatever happens by default?  Or are you purposefully living your unique life by design?

Whether it is a month-long pilgrimage across a foreign country or simply a series of daily meditative minutes to yourself before you start your day, I hope that you take some time to ponder HOW you want to live your life's journey - so you have a "Buen Camino"!

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Tourist or Traveler?

During a recent international project, I spent an entire day (each way) at several airports.  During the process, I noticed there is a definite difference between the people flying around the world.

In all cases, people are going from where they are/were to where they want to be. Transportation, in it's basest sense, is simply a means to an end. A way to progress - to achieve movement toward something we want.  In this way, the person is more of a passive "tourist" - just along for the ride.

It's not just the difference between business travel and pleasure travel.  It extends to HOW a person experiences the journey...and Life.

There is a significant difference in the WAY people move from place to place.  Whether for business or pleasure, some people actually seem to be engaged in the process of traveling - gaining additional value from the experience of "getting" to the destination.  I consider these people to be more of a "traveler".

My personal guideline when traveling is to be "unplugged" - free from the tyranny of the Internet and computer files.  One of the reasons I enjoy traveling so much is that I'm able to connect to the smallest (valuable) details of the process, and purposefully experience those Life-enhancing moments that create a life that is truly lived (rather than merely existing.)

In some cases, I interact with people.  In others I just observe and ponder.  I've found that Life's biggest/best insights are a result of simply taking the time to ponder.  When was the last time YOU planned some "pondering time" into your schedule...and actually DID it?

Are you just a tourist going through your life?  Or are you an engaged traveler?

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Prove That You Care

While working with a client group recently, one of the partners of the firm said something memorable while we were discussing family.  He said "You are only as happy as your unhappiest child".  This is a profound comment - indicating that when you truly care about the well-being of someone important in your life, then you aren't satisfied until they are healthy and happy.

I also believe this applies to business.

Think about your employees or your customers.  Are they all healthy and happy?  What is their quality of life?  Are you satisfied?  If not, are you doing anything to help them be healthier/happier?

Our inner values leak out as external behaviors.  If you genuinely value someone else's well-being, people around you will notice - because you will talk about it and you will make DOING something about it a priority.

Do you legitimately care about the health and happiness of your external customers?  (You should!  The future of your business depends on it!)  If so, you must ensure that they are taken care of...by your employees! 

You are modeling behaviors for your employees.  They will treat customers outside your company patterned after how they are treated internally.  So, what would others say about your level of care for your employees?  Are you truly invested in helping them maintain a sustainable level of health and happiness? 

Saying you care is easy - and not worth much.  The real (and strategic) test of whether or not you have integrity is how you demonstrate (in other words, prove!) your true commitments.

People are watching.  And your business results are hanging in the balance.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Anticipating Customer Needs

How do companies like Apple create products and services that we want - even before we knew we wanted them? The answer to this is what will set you apart as different/better to your customers!

The truth is that customers don't always know what they want next. They rarely are able to say anything more than "better, faster, cheaper - now". Next is a mystery to them. But it doesn't have to be for you.

Let's break it down: Your customer knows what they like (not always what they want). You know your industry - especially the behind-the-scenes technical aspects. We can't expect our customers to be able to articulate anything other than some incremental improvement to what they already have. Bringing your customers' future desires to life is your job. Only you can build what they will want...if you can bridge the gap.

How do world-class companies do it? They work hard at being intimately knowledgeable and understanding of their customers - and combine that with their own technical expertise to project what future products/services can satisfy their deepest desires.

Uncover the why beneath your customers wants, and you'll have clues as to where to strategically leap. Once you've accomplished creating the next big thing, you merely have to engage them by compellingly communicating how the new product/service connects with that deeper want.

Anticipating customer needs isn't about focus groups or surveys or "expert opinions". You have a perspective that your customers will never have. It is all about truly understanding them and using your technical expertise to build their future - for their benefit. Because exceeding their expectations is a genuine priority for you. (When it is, you will always be rewarded.)

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Identifying Your Golden Goose

Do you find yourself in a sea of competition - struggling to identify a clear-cut differentiator that can help you establish a competitive edge?

Most people make the mistake of simply working harder at the same things that the competition is working hard at. Everyone continues slogging along - never really making any real progress.

The better option? Here's a quick three-step activity that will reveal what you need to know:

1. Make a list of all the things that you offer that your customers value.

2. Cross out all those entries on your list that your competition can copy (unless it is a proprietary trade secret or patent, they will copy it...and it cannot be a differentiator)

3. The remainder is what makes you unique. That is your goose that lays the golden egg. That is what sets you apart. That is what you must nurture at all costs! (Tip: Most of the time, true differentiators are relationship based. Having a special connection with a customer is typically something a competitor can't touch until you lose it. Yes, it is yours to lose...)

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Digging Deeper. Going Farther.

There's a whole lotta talk going on these days. Talk about being different and better. Talk about engaging employees and customers. Talk about leadership excellence and operational effectiveness and strategy and tactics.

But very little results. Why is that? What do proven winners do differently to achieve those outcomes?

Well, the operative word is: DO!

When it comes down to separating the ordinary from the extraordinary, the key is consistent execution. Those who succeed eventually stop talking and start doing.

How do they do that, when it's not always clear about what to do?

In order to get to the root issues (and, therefore, the root actions required), world-class leaders don't just talk superficially about what makes their business different and better. They dig deep and get into the details of their unique target market and confront the difficult work of knowing their customers, their industry, and themselves.

[Pop quiz: What is the one thing that you do better than anyone else? What - specifically - makes you different than the many other options your customers have? And why should your customers really care? Hint: Your competition probably know this. You had better make sure your customers do too!]

Then, using that valuable information, world-class successes build the discipline (not a sexy or comfortable word so most business/self-help books shy away from this) to consistently implement - in alignment with what their customers want most and what they do differently/better than anyone else.

Simple, but not easy. Take the time to dig deeper this week - so you can go farther than you've ever gone before. You, and your customers, deserve that.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Improve With The Right Questions

In the interest of continuous improvement, most people try to engage their customers to discover ways they can improve their experience. Worthy intent, for sure - but most go about this the wrong way.

Typically, well-meaning questions like "How can we improve your experience?" don't get the answers we can easily use. The reason? The customers a.) can't effectively articulate a specific answer to such a broad question and/or b.) they aren't motivated to spend the time/effort to help you improve your operation.

The solution? Ask better questions - such as "Was there anything about your experience that frustrated or disappointed you?" This type of question specifically targets what you want to know: how to improve their experience - by minimizing the obstacles that undermine it being the best it can be. In addition, even those who are upset about having an unsatisfactory experience will take advantage of the opportunity to discuss what disappointed them. Either way, you win because:

1. you can provide service recovery immediately to those making the suggestions to help make them happier



2. you can improve with tactical information you can implement



3. future customers will benefit from the actual improvement

Sometimes, breakthroughs are hidden in subtleties - such as what questions you ask...and acting on the (better) answers you receive.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Create a Win-Win-WIN!

Many of us have heard the phrase "Make it a Win-Win". Simply said, it means "don't agree to anything with someone unless it benefits you both." This approach supports a fair, healthy long-term interactive relationship - as opposed to a one-time only transaction. It's a good place to start, but not the most effective approach to optimizing your relationships. What is even better?

Creating a Win-Win-WIN!

Not only should you focus on benefiting you and your direct business collaborator, but also consider how the ultimate "customers" benefit - your customer, the collaborator's customer, the cause you are working towards, etc. If you both are fully committed to ensuring that ALL people benefit as the agreement radiates out, then you can be sure that it will likely grow/build momentum rather than be a one-time deal. The ultimate goal in business (and in Life!) is to create something of value that is both sustainable and develops perpetual motion (a "life of it's own") that continues adding value to everyone involved.

That's a legacy worth working for.

So...what are you doing that is different and better - for not just you and your immediate colleagues, but for all the "customers" you exist to serve? Create a compelling reason for people to prefer you and your product/services (by adding superior value in exchange for their money, time, and effort) and they will become loyal to you...and want to participate in "spreading the gospel" of your shared cause.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

The Word "No" Is Your Friend

Colleague Jerry Weintraud once said "Every minute doing one thing is a minute NOT doing something else. Every choice is another choice not made." These two sentences hold a profound truth that we should all apply to our lives.

Most of us say that we have too many responsibilities - too many urgent items on our "to do" list. An overwhelming professional workload that seems impossible to balance with our overwhelming personal workload.

Sound familiar?

Usually, the root problem lies in saying "yes" to the wrong things. As leaders/role models we want to be action-oriented "make it happen" people who take on challenges and get results. Examining the most successful people, we find a counter-intuitive situation: They get more accomplished by saying "no"!

Yes. Saying "no" to the less important tasks (as urgent as they may be) frees up time to invest in the more important tasks.

Clearly identifying your priorities (Values, Vision, etc.) and measuring every request with the questions: "Will this task play a significant role in getting me to my most important goals?" helps spotlight what to start saying "no" to.

Here's an activity I did often with my executives at Disney: Imagine having an 8th day a week - what would you do? (Many responded with "Spend more time with family", "Work out", "Do more strategic planning", "Develop myself & my team", etc.) Then we would do an activity where they prioritize their responsibilities from top most important (not simply urgent) to least important. They were then tasked with delegating or deleting the bottom 15% of their list. THAT became their "extra day of the week". [Trumpets sounded, a shaft of light comes down from the sky onto them, they tingle all over...well, you know what I mean...] They were then guided to filling in that new found time with the wish list they generated earlier.

Try this exercise yourself and start saying "no" to the less important things that steal precious time from you accomplishing your very best.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Are You Free Or Fantastic?

Have you noticed that, these days, your customers are more demanding? The recent economic challenges have caused us all to be more thoughtful and demanding when it comes to spending our hard-earned dollars. How do you compete when, more and more, people expect something for nothing?

As wonderful as the Internet can be, it is also the source of easy access to the lowest price option. In fact, "the low, low price of FREE" is becoming a common goal in the race towards commoditization. Bottom line: When there's nothing special/different/better about your product or service, why should anyone pay more for it than the cheapest source?

The only time it makes good business sense to offer something for free (or even at no profit) is if there is strategic value. Either 1. To entice your customer so they do business with you and you can sell them more items where you make your (ultimate) profit; or 2. to use it as a tool to gain exposure/awareness for future sales.

Otherwise, the "strategy of free" is, ultimately, a default strategy for going out of business.

The only other strategy is to be "fantastic". Designing your product or service so customers experience a "WOW" means you can charge (and they will pay) a premium. (At Disney, we used to call this "pixie dust" - you can do it too!) Not only do you get a buzz of publicity (happy customers tell everybody!), but you earn profit that actually keeps your business in business.

Wouldn't you prefer that scenario?

What does the "strategy of fantastic" require? Simply adding value at every touch point of your customer's experience. Exceed their expectation (by being different/better) every step of the way and they will come back - AND tell all their friends/family to do business with you too!

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Guaranteed Breakthrough

Ever notice that sometimes, even in the midst of a long-term improvement effort, you hit a phase where things seem to stall? Sometimes we get so caught up in achieving a specified goal that we miss the real opportunity - AND the meaningful breakthrough. Consider this catalyst to shake things up:

Rather than continuing to fixate on your pre-determined, measurable outcome - take some time revisit why you are making the effort and then (perhaps) shift to different options that will make it better.

The key here is (re?)discovering what your CUSTOMERS think is "different" & "better".

• Different: What is your competition doing? What are they not doing? Is your brand (personality of your company) distinctive? Is the customer experience unlike anything else in your industry?
• Better: What does your customer value in regard to your industry's product/service? Speed? Dependability? Quality? Why does your product/service even exist? Improve in that area, and you will gain a competitive edge.

Too often, organizations get so caught up in delivering action items and tactical plans, that they fail to stay engaged with the more relevant perspective.

Bottom line - becoming different & better, as defined by your customers, will always be an improvement (always!), and will draw the attention you need to eventually move your business (and you!) to the top.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Let It Go!

As we rush/stagger/grind/step towards the end of the year, many of us reflect on what was and what may be. While I encourage this (not just once a year, but every quarter/month/week - as best you can), it seems that "resolutions" - regardless of when they occur, rarely last. On average, only 15% of those who make New Year's resolutions keep them for at least 30 days. What a shame!

Part of the problem most have with adopting new behaviors is that they are still embedded in the rut of old habits (muscle memory and/or mental hang-ups.) Here's the key that all successful professionals know: Before you can successfully follow a new path, you have to stop walking the old, less-effective path. In other words: what keeps us from adopting effective new habits is INeffective old habits.

Japanese culture has some interesting rituals for the transition between one year and the next. For example, many hold "ending of the year parties" (called "bounenkai" - or "forget the year"), where they ceremoniously cut ties with anything holding them back from growing/improving for the upcoming year. Another tradition is called "osoji", where everyone deep cleans their homes, offices, and schools to literally begin the new year with a "clean slate". While I don't follow these practices, I do appreciate the acknowledging of how we must create closure for one chapter before we can successfully begin a new chapter.

So, as you begin making plans for your next chapter, please consider what you need to STOP doing - or let go of - BEFOREHAND. Once you've confronted that detrimental anchor, then and only then will you be free to sail forward towards whatever exciting new adventure you have in your heart.

One final word of encouragement: If you're not living the life of your dreams, then why not? When are you planning to live your unique purpose? No matter where you are today, the very best time to begin is NOW. Don't wait another day. No more settling. Take the first few steps and you will begin to see an amazing shift in momentum toward the lifestyle you've always wanted.

You will never regret it, I promise. I can guarantee you the inevitable: you'll regret not starting sooner if you wait.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Facebook Versus Face Time

A key to both business and personal success is how well we can really connect with others. What works best to really connect with someone: Meeting in person? Calling them? Talking to them? Talking with them? Mailing them? Emailing them? Texting data/information? Sharing opinions? Sharing feelings? Sharing secrets?? The options continue to grow!

Obviously, the start of the answer is appropriately connecting using whatever resources are available. At Disney, we asked WHY we wanted to connect to determine the best option. Best long-term solution? Quality rather than quantity. And no, they are not mutually exclusive - you can have both!

Today, much is being discussed about the varying forms of social media: Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. There's nothing wrong with those tools as long as they are each considered as only a part of your efforts to truly connect.

Oftentimes, we get caught up in being so focused on a task that we forget that how the task is done is just as (many say even more) important. Appropriately including your personality in the sharing of information is what makes all the difference. After all, if there's no "you" in the interaction, then they could've gotten the information from some inanimate computer or something. "You" are not required. If that isn't unsettling, it should be.

Think about any recent interaction you've had. Here's a simple test: After the interaction, did the person know more about you, understand more clearly how you are aligned, or like you/respect you more than when they started the interaction? If not, it was probably not engaging. "You" added no special value. Your role could have been automated...and will be - unless you do something about it.

Want to improve? Here's a challenge for you: Think about the people you want to really connect with. What access methods (face-to-face, phone, email, text, social media, etc.) do they value? [Tip: Use those methods] The next time you have the opportunity, purposefully ask questions about potential ways your interests overlap. Discuss common opinions and feelings about issues that are relevant. Focus on how you interact and make sure it engages the other person.

Then watch how your connection dramatically improves.

Then watch how your business improves!

Think about it. But more importantly do something about it...today!

Cutting Through The Fog Of The Unknown

Coming to the end of one year and the beginning of another brings to mind "the future". Most of us do some sort of business forecasting (even if it is informal) to determine how we want to position ourselves to be as successful as possible in the coming year.

Forecasting your future is complicated by the many unknowns - after all, the future hasn't happened yet. However, being brutally honest about your current reality can serve as a good launching point for the near-term future. Here are a few "behind-the-scenes" questions we explored at Disney that you may want to consider:

• What's really happening in the world? What trends/needs are becoming obvious and likely to be long versus short term?
• What different/better offerings are missing that your target market values?
• What are your (potential?) capabilities that could service/take advantage of those trends?
• Do you have the team and knowledge in place that can service those developing trends/needs?
• Do you have or can you find the resources to service those developing trends/needs?
• Are you willing to make the effort to position yourself and execute the actions required?

Connect these dots and you will begin to clear the fog (and thus the fear) of the unknown. Rather than only doing this once a year, consider doing this every 3 months - or even more often, if your work dynamics call for it. The more you attend to the reality of your situation, the easier it is to influence it.

Having the discipline to make time beforehand to strategically explore these issues and then the assertive drive to execute your plan will determine your results. Don't wait until New Years to make the traditional "resolutions". The only way to get a jump on your competition is to start before they do.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Becoming A "Clutch" Leader

After watching several intense sports match ups this week, I noticed that something interesting happens at critical moments in each game: Leaders - both on the field and off - make decisions (or not) and take action (or not) that ultimately determines the outcome. Oftentimes, in the battle of two opposing teams, one leader will "choke" when everything is at stake.

What creates success in these high-pressure scenarios? What brings leaders through "in the clutch"?

When I was in charge of leadership initiatives at Disney, it was interesting to see what set the most effective leaders apart from the average leaders. A recent study done for the US military reveals some of the same insights that my team discovered when exploring what made the most significant difference:

• Focus - Are you focused on the details that strategically relevant to this particular situation? Can you ignore any superfluous activity while leading through the challenge?
• Discipline - Are you able to consistently follow up and generate accountability? Are you a legitimate role model with integrity?
• Adaptability - Are you able to learn from the past, yet let go of everything that doesn't serve you or your team in this unique situation? Is there another (different) right answer?
• Being Present - Are you able to "fly by the seat of your pants" and make decisions during the "real time" process of gathering problem solving information?
• Fear/Desire - Are you appropriately motivated (either by fear or desire) enough to passionately move forward - despite the circumstances?

How do you measure up when it comes to these traits? What life experiences can you get involved in (now!) that can help you better develop these traits?

Your future teams - and your leadership career - will reflect your actions today regarding your leadership during difficult times. Do you want to be known as the leader who comes through in the clutch? Then...

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Getting Extraordinary with Ordinary

I'm not much into formulas. I'm not a number-crunching/stats kinda guy - over and beyond the bottom line "what are the results?" type. However, after many years of talking with other leaders about what it takes to get superior results, most are stunned to hear what I have found while working with dozens of Fortune 500 companies:

Ordinary tactics + discipline = Extraordinary results.

Let me explain:

Have you noticed that when you read about what world-class companies say they do to achieve amazing outcomes, you (like most professionals) think "well, that's obvious" or "that makes sense"? Most of what these outstanding businesses do is not super-secret, mysterious proprietary strategies or tools. They follow a path to success that has been followed by many other consistently successful companies before them. the have leaders that are role models. they engage their employees in working together effectively and in creating innovative solutions. The exceed the expectations of their external customers by attending to the details that they care most about throughout their entire experience. they focus on low/no cost investments that make good business sense for the long-term.

Then why isn't everyone getting world-class results as well? They don't (sufficiently) focus on the "ordinary" discipline of consistent implementation. They fail to be consistent/fair in their accountability of behaviors. They don't take the risk of being courageous enough to be transparent in how they face the truth/reality of their individual and team performance. Ordinary "do the right thing" effort has, unfortunately, become uncommon.

It's easier to talk the talk than to walk the walk. It's easier to write a bonus check than to have a thoughtful token of appreciation. It's easier to entertain the idea of success rather than experience the sacrifice required to achieve it.

There's nothing extraordinary about proven strategies - we know what to do. If we're not getting the results, it's because we simply fail to:
- take a cold, unblinking look at ourselves
- take the time to identify root causes and the natural consequences
- invest in building healthy, long-term working relationships
- won't consistently make the constantly-required behaviors that lead to the results we desire

Those who want the easy way out always balk at this truth. It's not sexy or "business as usual". But it is simple - and what has been proven to work. Just look at those renowned organizations who are experiencing consistent success. What works - works!

So if you want extraordinary results, simply look to proven (ordinary) tactics and the tried and true (ordinary) discipline of implementing those tactics. If you need help, go out and get it, but no one achieves real success until they bridge this gap. NO one.

So, you want to be a SOMEone, or a NO one?

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Not Just Hardware

I just returned from serving as a judge for the Singapore Experience Awards - an event that honors the best business practices (and results) of organizations across industries throughout Singapore. While the visit to Singapore was excellent as always, this particular trip provided an interesting new insight.

An executive of a large international technology corporation mentioned that their renowned success throughout the world was not the result of their amazing hardware, but of what he called "heartware" - the passion of his engaged employees. He recognized that without their passion for innovation and executing their plans to the highest standard, their products would simply be more in a market of mediocre "things".

Interesting that, in a land that is so well known for how they embrace technology, they have the strategic wisdom to place a premium on what actually creates that technology.

A rare insight we could all benefit from, I think.

Consider all the competitors in your industry. For the most part, you all have access to the same resources - offices, office supplies, computers, raw materials, time, etc. What typically determines the outcomes of an organization is how they utilize those common resources. The best do so in decidedly UNcommon ways.

When was the last time you focused on upgrading YOUR "heartware" at work? By shifting how you select, train, communicate, and reward your team you can transform what you achieve with your resources. Or, as Walt Disney once said "taking ordinary resources and creating extraordinary results"...to optimize your competitive edge.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!