Like many tortured souls in my line of work, I frequently enter places of business and during whatever wait there is, reimagine different elements of the operation from the layout and processes, to the product array, delivery mechanism and related possible revenue streams that would improve the customer experience, culture and / or profit.
This activity comes as second nature to me and so I can run through scenarios quickly. […]
Lego is an excellent example of the huge value that can come from customer insight. Embracing their customers’ sometimes unconventional use of the blocks is in part what led to the company refining its business model and experiencing a significant resurgence. Reminds me of my favorite unconventional uses of Lego blocks – creating plant layouts. The guys at Sur Seal have had great success testing out theories while playing strategizing […]
Interesting perspective on the value of taking planned risks as a means of building an organization’s capacity for change. A business that can stomach failure is better prepared to face and manage the change it won’t always be able to see coming. Even better than that, this kind of company will be less afraid to consider change on a day to day basis which will naturally give rise to […]
The secret to success according to Bill Taylor of Fast Company, the man who has covered many of the great organizations of our time:
“But the most successful companies care more than everyone else — about customers, about colleagues, about how the organization conducts itself in a world with endless opportunities to cut corners and compromise on values. You can’t be special, distinctive, compelling in the marketplace unless you’ve built […]
Pixar’s focus on culture reminds us of how explicitly an organization’s structures and activities can impact its behaviors and attitudes and the significant role company values play in driving employee engagement. A great read for those that are looking to better understand the power of culture and reconcile the mindful effort it takes to cultivate and sustain – even among an employee pool of high performers. Unsure about how […]
Customer insight is one of the most important elements of a successful business model. Given the direct impact this relationship has on your success, customer insight should guide every initiative launched in the name of growth. Too many organizations don’t check in enough with their customers, understand their needs and how well they are being met. As a result, they make changes to their business model that don’t result […]
Cuts in headcount are too often made with short term goals in mind. Somehow those with traditional management views consider this among the easier tacts to take when looking at cutting costs. I will grant them that it is one of the faster solutions in that regard. I would hope that these layoffs represent a last resort for Levis Strauss. I imagine that if they are truly experiencing a […]
Ironic how the act of being transparent is considered “radical” in business yet is a sign of integrity for the individual. At least the paradigm is changing, and the skill set of more CEO’s today is less Great and Powerful Oz and more Thoughtful Connector, Synthesizer and Communicator.
http://www.inc.com/john-brandon/5-lessons-in-radical-leadership-from-the-quick-and-nimble-author.html
