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March 11, 2010 - ISSN# 1545-2646
During the intensity of the current chaos in the marketplace, we might want to consider calling a Time Out!
It is March and right around the corner is NCAA March Madness. The premier college basketball tournament. As the games take place, and the energy levels increase, coaches will at specific times in the game call a time out to either settle their team down or to add pressure to a player on the other team.
As business leaders we might want to think about how this game strategy can apply to our winning the game of the industry each of us are involved in.
Take a business that is running full speed to make sales. Reps are feverishly dialing the telephone attempting to get appointments. Customer service agents are fielding orders and delivery questions. Warehouse staff are packing boxes and shipping them out. All looks like the machine is a finely oiled machine.
But wait, the company is losing money! Reps are closing sales with minimal margins. Customer services reps are rude to clients. the warehouse staff is not following packing standards and many products will most likely get broken prior to arrival at their destination.
Time OUT!!!
The owner needs to regroup the team and get them refocused. Maybe the pressure of the time has allowed staff to stray from following the business protocols? Maybe those employees left after the last lay off are wishing they would have lost their job? Maybe the stress of doing more with less is having a much greater toll on company performance than what might appear to the untrained eye.
This week call a short Time Out and let everyone stop, catch their breath, re-energize and go back to work to have a successful win. It does not have to be elaborate or fancy. It could be a quick 5 minute gathering in the lunch room or around the copier.
As the owner, express your sincere appreciation for each of them and recognize each of them for their contribution. Allow each of them to catch a short breath. It will be returned with continued support of taking good care of your clients who after all pay the bills and the paychecks.
Questions or comments - email us at partners@jklassociates.com or call our Office at (313) 527-7945
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