Development

In the company, department, division, or team, we have a value proposition that articulates our differentiation. In a competitive environment, this is critical. The features, benefits, and costs must be communicated. Also, from time to time, they should be re-engineered or re-evaluated. I believe the same is true with you and me as leaders. For example  How and what are you doing to create value? Is there something you need to start doing? Maybe something you need to do more of. Or, possibly, is there something that you should stop doing? Is it possible a certain behavior on your part or team member is counterproductive? Here is something we all need to consider," What is my personal value proposition? And [...]

Last year I had the privilege and opportunity to get to know Pastor Michael Kai, and I can tell you that he is an inspirational leader. I just finished reading his latest book, “That Doesn’t Just Happen,” and I highly recommend reading it if you are looking to build a culture of true excellence. I love his title. That is so true with your personal growth and development. Your growth and your leadership development "doesn't just happen." You must be intentional and have a plan. For me, it starts with asking myself these questions: How will I be different next year at this time? What new knowledge will I have to acquire to perfect my craft and leadership? What new habits [...]

I was addressing a business fraternity at a university recently, and I was asked, "What is the purpose of the business?"  I shared that my old answer to that question would have been, "To make a profit. Otherwise, why be in business?" But what I have learned is that profits are simply the result of the purpose. I shared that in the simplest terms, the purpose of the business is to create and cost-effectively keep a customer. Because without customers, there is no business. A critical measurement of success in any business is customer satisfaction. Every system, process, and activity must be aimed at satisfying customers in a manner that beats the competition. All successful businesses rely on repeat business, [...]