Industrial Distribution

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Summer review and thoughts
July 17, 2008

It’s summer and it is hard to remember to write my blog. But a lot is happening and we need to stay on top of it.

The economy, by many measures, is tanking. Price fluctuations are killing long-term planning and ordering. New competition is coming out of the woodwork (but where are they getting the money to start?). Threats of new regulations will continue to screw up our international competitiveness. Some commodities are getting into short supply.

It is enough to make some wonder if this is a time to just hunker down and protect what we have. The problem is that every time the wagons are circled, we become an easier target. So what do we have to do?

The most important thing most companies can do is accept the fact that the best ideas for survival may be hidden away within our workforces. Too many of us believe that if you are not part of the management team, you cannot have good ideas. Obviously, no one will actually come out and say that, but it is the reality of most work places.

The first action any of us should take is to change the culture and the atmosphere. Make it OK to be wrong. When people are convinced that being wrong is bad, they are afraid to put new ideas on the table.

Most new ideas will not spring from someone’s head fully formed. What comes out are ideas, thoughts, questions and possibilities. If you have the right environment (one of trust and safety) you will get quality responses to any question or request for help.

The ideas need to be groomed, added to, enhanced, etc. But finding the right idea to work on is priceless. Turn on the spigot. Ask your line people to help. You will be surprised at what you learn.

Posted by Steve Epner on July 17, 2008 | Comments (3)