I had an interesting conversation today with the owner of a prominent orange grove here in Florida. During our conversation, he mentioned that he had grown up with plants - first, at a plant nursery, then at a fruit grove, before establishing a national produce corporation.
He mentioned that, especially in this time of economic difficulty, he has found that there are timeless truths to growing - whether it be a plant or a business.
"When the environment is challenging, you find that people's reaction to the challenge is what determines the health or the plant and/or the business. You can save a lot of money in the short term by not watering/fertilizing a plant when times are tough, but the natural consequences are almost always that it costs more to nurse it back to health. In fruit trees you can easily lose an entire season of fruit production - or even lose the tree altogether. The best long-term growth approach is to stay focused on the health of the plant/people/relationships. That is really the only way to ensure a healthy rebound when things get better."
These days, we should all rethink "growth" to not just include "getting bigger", but to be about growing our profit margins. Investing in our employees and helping them to better engage both customers and business improvements, we can grow in every way that matters - and naturally leads to survival...and success!
Isn't it interesting how nature can lead the way to success in our professional lives?
Think about it...but more importantly, act in it...today!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Top 50 Most Innovative Companies!
My friends at Fast Company magazine just released their list of 50 most innovative companies, which included some interesting insights we can all benefit from.
The first is that 33 of last year's winners did NOT make it onto this year's list. The insight? Innovation (and the relating benefits) dies if it is not consistently nurtured/supported. Innovation can command price premiums and leverage market share, but only if you "prime the pump" first with a culture that supports it. Use it or lose it. Ouch.
Secondly, the consistent success stories (like our benchmarks Disney, Google, Apple, Ideo, etc.) focus on the same proven strategies and tactics that translate to consistent external brand and business results - even in this hyper-challenging economic time.
Taking the right action when the competition is cowering and waiting for some magic dust to save them, achieves more than a head start. It generates employee engagement, inspired heroism, and efficiencies inside the organization, and differentiation, customer loyalty, and brand buzz outside the organization...all of which captures the ever-elusive competitive edge professionals everywhere want but miss because they refuse to focus on what really works.
It's sad to watch companies stagnate and wither because they are more committed to their policies and procedures than to their employee or customer experiences. By resolving to be innovative and connecting with their customers - both the external customers and the internal (employees) customers - any business remains relevant, dynamic, and growing. According to world-class benchmark companies, this is an exciting and rewarding position to be in.
We all make choices every day. The question is: will it result in "rewards" or in "pain"?
In other words: Are you going to use it, or lose it?
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
The first is that 33 of last year's winners did NOT make it onto this year's list. The insight? Innovation (and the relating benefits) dies if it is not consistently nurtured/supported. Innovation can command price premiums and leverage market share, but only if you "prime the pump" first with a culture that supports it. Use it or lose it. Ouch.
Secondly, the consistent success stories (like our benchmarks Disney, Google, Apple, Ideo, etc.) focus on the same proven strategies and tactics that translate to consistent external brand and business results - even in this hyper-challenging economic time.
Taking the right action when the competition is cowering and waiting for some magic dust to save them, achieves more than a head start. It generates employee engagement, inspired heroism, and efficiencies inside the organization, and differentiation, customer loyalty, and brand buzz outside the organization...all of which captures the ever-elusive competitive edge professionals everywhere want but miss because they refuse to focus on what really works.
It's sad to watch companies stagnate and wither because they are more committed to their policies and procedures than to their employee or customer experiences. By resolving to be innovative and connecting with their customers - both the external customers and the internal (employees) customers - any business remains relevant, dynamic, and growing. According to world-class benchmark companies, this is an exciting and rewarding position to be in.
We all make choices every day. The question is: will it result in "rewards" or in "pain"?
In other words: Are you going to use it, or lose it?
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Timing (of ACTION) Is Everything
Ever notice the process of HOW people/organizations manage to become launched into success far above the rest in the industry? Yes, what they do (and how they do it) is a key part - something thousands of books go into great detail about. But the other component critical to success is the timing.
It's often said that it's all about timing - but the action taken must go hand-in-glove for anything of real value to result.
There are naturally occurring economic cycles that often dictate when strategic leaders/companies optimize their potential. There's a "sweet spot" of time when decisive action can be taken that launches success far above the competition: when the competition is too scared to take action themselves.
We're entering that phase right now - the "bottom" of the economic correction is nearing, and the smartest leaders are preparing their employees to launch a sustained service-based customer relationship way of doing business - and leveraging that real difference in their marketing - to steal customers from the competition.
Well, to be more accurate - EARN customers away from the competition.
Customers are going to be much more careful with how they spend their money. And they are remembering how they've been treated by the other options in the industry. They want a great value - which means superior product and experience for the price. Customers who feel they've been mistreated in the past are angry at the lack of honesty, respect, and care they have received...and are looking for a business that earns their loyalty.
That experience doesn't come by accident. Smart leaders are training/preparing now (timing!)to launch an "all out blitz" of great service to customers in an industry of mediocre competitors that mistakenly think they are given acceptable service.
And the customers will make the smart choice.
And the timely action of the wise leaders will pay off...big!
And the industry will wonder "how did I lose so much of my market share to this competitor?" and "how long will it take me to recover?"
But at least you knew...right? Right??
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
It's often said that it's all about timing - but the action taken must go hand-in-glove for anything of real value to result.
There are naturally occurring economic cycles that often dictate when strategic leaders/companies optimize their potential. There's a "sweet spot" of time when decisive action can be taken that launches success far above the competition: when the competition is too scared to take action themselves.
We're entering that phase right now - the "bottom" of the economic correction is nearing, and the smartest leaders are preparing their employees to launch a sustained service-based customer relationship way of doing business - and leveraging that real difference in their marketing - to steal customers from the competition.
Well, to be more accurate - EARN customers away from the competition.
Customers are going to be much more careful with how they spend their money. And they are remembering how they've been treated by the other options in the industry. They want a great value - which means superior product and experience for the price. Customers who feel they've been mistreated in the past are angry at the lack of honesty, respect, and care they have received...and are looking for a business that earns their loyalty.
That experience doesn't come by accident. Smart leaders are training/preparing now (timing!)to launch an "all out blitz" of great service to customers in an industry of mediocre competitors that mistakenly think they are given acceptable service.
And the customers will make the smart choice.
And the timely action of the wise leaders will pay off...big!
And the industry will wonder "how did I lose so much of my market share to this competitor?" and "how long will it take me to recover?"
But at least you knew...right? Right??
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Stopping The Pain
What does it take to finally take action and really stop the pain - for the long term? In the face of this economic downturn, companies are resorting to issuing layoffs in a desperate attempt to stay solvent.
The shame of it all? It won't help them.
Layoffs are short-term reactions that create long-term problems.
World-class companies know that in times of crisis, real character is not built - it is revealed. The true colors of a leader is evident in times such as these. If they say "people are our most important resource" and then opt to lay them off, their lack of integrity is there for all to see.
And employees (current or future) will remember.
Even employees who are left working after the layoff will remember...and the natural consequence is "survivor's guilt", lack of trust in the company, a focus on self (preservation) rather than the team...the list goes on.
The more effective option is to engage the employees in creating (and, therefore, owning) the solution. Focus on "your most valuable resource" guiding themselves out of this mess. With the right processes/tools, innovation leading to success in the face of these situations build teamwork/success.
And, yes, they will remember this too. You will enjoy the natural consequences of that. Nice.
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
The shame of it all? It won't help them.
Layoffs are short-term reactions that create long-term problems.
World-class companies know that in times of crisis, real character is not built - it is revealed. The true colors of a leader is evident in times such as these. If they say "people are our most important resource" and then opt to lay them off, their lack of integrity is there for all to see.
And employees (current or future) will remember.
Even employees who are left working after the layoff will remember...and the natural consequence is "survivor's guilt", lack of trust in the company, a focus on self (preservation) rather than the team...the list goes on.
The more effective option is to engage the employees in creating (and, therefore, owning) the solution. Focus on "your most valuable resource" guiding themselves out of this mess. With the right processes/tools, innovation leading to success in the face of these situations build teamwork/success.
And, yes, they will remember this too. You will enjoy the natural consequences of that. Nice.
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
FINALLY Bring Your Goals To Life!
Okay, it's a new year and we all want to have a new/better life. BlahBlahBlah... Let's cut to the chase: What do the most successful people do to consistently achieve their goals - even in difficult times?
No, they aren't superhuman and they do not have better resources/opportunities (at least before they started realizing their goals), they just do what ordinary people will not: THEY STOP SETTLING!
The most successful leaders/organizations simply don't settle for anything less than excellent. They make a real commitment (not just some temporary "resolution") and take real action - not settle for merely talking about action items or plans to act. Every success began with a single step - a call, an email, a conversation with someone or connection with something that could help exceed typical results and get extraordinary results.
A true breakthrough starts with a real investment of yourself to connect with proven approaches to success - not some lame "law of attraction" psycho-babble. "Wishing" is not a legitimate business strategy.
Contrary to common belief, the first step is NOT being aware that you want to be better. Awareness (and "wishing") doesn't count - we all want to improve. The real first step is doing something - taking physical action!
Identify someone who has earned success and physically contact them - ask them how they did it. Don't settle for just telling people about your plans - show them by doing.
So...stop reading right now and start doing...right now!
Oh, and have a Happy New Year too. (and by "Happy", I mean "kick-ss successful")
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
No, they aren't superhuman and they do not have better resources/opportunities (at least before they started realizing their goals), they just do what ordinary people will not: THEY STOP SETTLING!
The most successful leaders/organizations simply don't settle for anything less than excellent. They make a real commitment (not just some temporary "resolution") and take real action - not settle for merely talking about action items or plans to act. Every success began with a single step - a call, an email, a conversation with someone or connection with something that could help exceed typical results and get extraordinary results.
A true breakthrough starts with a real investment of yourself to connect with proven approaches to success - not some lame "law of attraction" psycho-babble. "Wishing" is not a legitimate business strategy.
Contrary to common belief, the first step is NOT being aware that you want to be better. Awareness (and "wishing") doesn't count - we all want to improve. The real first step is doing something - taking physical action!
Identify someone who has earned success and physically contact them - ask them how they did it. Don't settle for just telling people about your plans - show them by doing.
So...stop reading right now and start doing...right now!
Oh, and have a Happy New Year too. (and by "Happy", I mean "kick-ss successful")
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
What It Takes To Survive In Crisis Situations
It's hard not to notice the scores of businesses failing right now. Many claim that they are the "victims" of this nasty economic crisis. The hard truth is, they are only the victims of how they dealt with the circumstances. Let's really look at the facts:
Why won't all businesses in their industry fail? After all, they're dealing with the same circumstances. Actually, there's a simple answer:
There are two primary aspects of our operational abilities: Preparedness (Training; Having processes in place; etc.) and Resources (Money; Physical assets; People; etc.) Here's the secret that true world-class businesses have discovered: Your current status regarding these two issues are based on how you think!
This is NOT some "name it, claim it/ask the Universe for it" kind of garbage...uh, I mean, theory. When leaders think training is important, they invest in that and are better prepared. When they think innovative solutions best come from front line employees, they engage them in opportunities to adapt/improve results. You get the picture. Their actions begin with their thoughts and beliefs.
Because circumstances constantly change, the key is thinking in a way (focusing on proven, real-life solutions) that gets consistent, world-class results - even in difficult times.
It's too bad many professionals miss that truth. It means the difference between thriving and merely surviving...and sometimes (unfortunately) between surviving, and not.
Don't be that statistic. Even now, it's not too late to invest in the proven approach that will completely change your situation for the better. Really. Don't settle for less when you can tap into proven solutions that will lead you to achieving your potential.
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
Why won't all businesses in their industry fail? After all, they're dealing with the same circumstances. Actually, there's a simple answer:
There are two primary aspects of our operational abilities: Preparedness (Training; Having processes in place; etc.) and Resources (Money; Physical assets; People; etc.) Here's the secret that true world-class businesses have discovered: Your current status regarding these two issues are based on how you think!
This is NOT some "name it, claim it/ask the Universe for it" kind of garbage...uh, I mean, theory. When leaders think training is important, they invest in that and are better prepared. When they think innovative solutions best come from front line employees, they engage them in opportunities to adapt/improve results. You get the picture. Their actions begin with their thoughts and beliefs.
Because circumstances constantly change, the key is thinking in a way (focusing on proven, real-life solutions) that gets consistent, world-class results - even in difficult times.
It's too bad many professionals miss that truth. It means the difference between thriving and merely surviving...and sometimes (unfortunately) between surviving, and not.
Don't be that statistic. Even now, it's not too late to invest in the proven approach that will completely change your situation for the better. Really. Don't settle for less when you can tap into proven solutions that will lead you to achieving your potential.
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Employee Engagement = Organizational Improvement
I just finished up a consulting project that centered on improving the client organization's business performance. In this particular situation, they had several problems: low customer loyalty (repeat/referral), inefficient processes, high turnover. The client expected some expensive and drawn-out intervention to fix it. If they had gone with a typical consultant, they likely would have been correct.
But they hired my team ("the anti-consultants") ...and they were thrilled to be wrong.
In this particular instance, well-placed effort on engaging their employees created a ripple effect that positively impacted everything else - especially in challenging times. It works like this:
Connect with (really engage/care for) the employee =
1. higher morale/teamwork/productivity (more ownership, buy-in, and passion)
2. more efficiencies (employees are the closest to the operations and know how to improve it)
3. higher satisfaction/loyalty (employees are closest to the customer and can create better relationships - which, coincidentally, have been modeled by leadership as part of the engagement effort.)
Isn't it wonderful to see a business achieve it's potential? They especially appreciate that these dramatic improvements are occurring while the economic environment is killing off the weak businesses, injuring the average businesses, and rewarding the businesses that invest wisely in developing their people.
It's never too late to improve...right up until the "death rattle".
What are YOU doing to engage your employees/save your business during this difficult time?
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
But they hired my team ("the anti-consultants") ...and they were thrilled to be wrong.
In this particular instance, well-placed effort on engaging their employees created a ripple effect that positively impacted everything else - especially in challenging times. It works like this:
Connect with (really engage/care for) the employee =
1. higher morale/teamwork/productivity (more ownership, buy-in, and passion)
2. more efficiencies (employees are the closest to the operations and know how to improve it)
3. higher satisfaction/loyalty (employees are closest to the customer and can create better relationships - which, coincidentally, have been modeled by leadership as part of the engagement effort.)
Isn't it wonderful to see a business achieve it's potential? They especially appreciate that these dramatic improvements are occurring while the economic environment is killing off the weak businesses, injuring the average businesses, and rewarding the businesses that invest wisely in developing their people.
It's never too late to improve...right up until the "death rattle".
What are YOU doing to engage your employees/save your business during this difficult time?
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!
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