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Welcome to Clear Thoughts from
Uncommon Clarity
Management Thoughts - Agility and Resilience |
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A steep path descends from our backyard. We
haul branches down to a brush pile far below
and wood cut by beaver back up to our
woodpile. Only a Neanderthal would relish the
climb so I watch for the tiny white pine in
the middle of the path as a distraction. It
can't escape the abuse of branches, cart and
feet, yet it still looks healthy after every
trip. I am amazed.
We want our businesses to be strong and able
to grow under tough conditions too. Nature
creates strength through flexibility, but we
often try to build strength through control
and detail - iron clad plans, rules, detailed
procedures, and tight management. The result
is rigidity, not strength.
In this era of accelerating change and
competition, we
desperately need strength, and we need the
kind of strength that allows us to be quick
and adaptable while delivering reliable,
repeatable results. We
need strength through agility and resilience.
What makes an organization agile and
resilient?
It is the people. Each and every one. With
the knowledge, skills and authority to act
and react efficiently and effectively as
situations unfold. Able to make daily
decisions that support the nature, direction and
priorities of the organization. Confident in
their ability to make a positive contribution.
Strength, agility and resilience are the
result of empowering your people.
Are your people empowered? Would like our
assessment? Call us today.
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Strategic Thoughts - No Geeks? No Geniuses? No Problem! |
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Do you believe innovative opportunities
emerge only from the minds of geeks and
geniuses capable of wondrous technological
breakthroughs?
Not so. Most innovations involve the
application of existing capabilities to new
situations or in new combinations.
For example, the first laptop was not
technically difficult. It wasn't even
technically very good. But it was portable.
Starbucks created a new experience for coffee
drinkers. Strong coffee, funky atmosphere,
and goofy nomenclature for drink size.
The iPhone bundles existing capabilities in
the coolest, easiest, got-to-have device
imaginable.
Steve Herrell launched designer ice cream by
stirring in candies and cookies.
FedEx decided to do it faster. Guaranteed.
Southwest Airlines ditched reserved seats,
meals, complex fare structures, and more to
focus on
flying people quickly for less.
Innovation is about finding new ways to
satisfy age-old wants and needs such as
portability, ambience with flavor, the cool
factor, great ice cream, fast service, and
inexpensive flights. No geeks or geniuses
required. Just a little imagination, a focus
on the customer, and, perhaps, a dose of
luck.
Feeling short on imagination, focus or
luck? Contact us today and we'll be glad to help
you sharpen your competitive edge.
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Parting Thoughts - Doubt |
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"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but
certainty is absurd."
Voltaire
(ever wonder why this guy never has
a first name?)
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Ann Latham
If you enjoyed this edition of Clear
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© 2007 Ann Latham. All rights reserved.
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Reflective Thoughts - Welcome Evidence |
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Multi-tasking rots your brain! OK, early
evidence perhaps (The Week, 10/26/07),
but I'll buy it. After years of taking pride
in my juggling, I
welcome a powerful, rational excuse to
resist. Now I can put everything away and
calmly focus on one task at a time without
feeling like a wimp. And now I have
the perfect excuse, "Sorry, not now. I need
to protect my brain." Good thing my daughters
are old enough to fend for themselves!
Uncommon Clarity can help your organization
develop strong strategies and smart systems.
Let us help you achieve growth and
profitability through a competitive focus,
productive people, reliable processes, and
happy customers.
- Ann Latham
413-527-3737
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