To end the week on a positive note, I am pleased to see Barry-Wehmiller @barrywehmiller recognized as one of Inc’s 25 most audacious companies. #Audacious The basis of its audacity? It dares to treat employees like human beings, eschews the idea of “managing” people and defines leadership as a responsibility to “steward” those in your care. This organization’s financial success proves the value of their altruistic approach to business governance and [...]
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 [...]
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 for [...]
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 proactive [...]
Scott Gauvin recently sat down with Manufacturing Today magazine to talk about our consulting practice’s distinctive approach, unconventional philosophy on driving results and how the performance equation is changing. Read the profile here.
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 something [...]
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 much [...]
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 in [...]
