Don't Cut the Core!
05/06/02
Tom Rohrs, Senior VP of Global Operations for Applied Materials Inc., knows the importance of smart moves in tough times: "In difficult times, the most common mistake is a kind of corporate egalitarianism. Companies take 10% away from everybody, instead of separating out what's core. They need to determine what's critical and invest in that, even if it means taking 20% away from something else. There's too much democracy, because nobody wants to make anybody unhappy."
The key to progress is an organization's ability to focus resources in support of bottom-line results. Although unwise in times of plenty, resources can often be wasted and the things that count can still get done. But in times of trouble, with fewer resources, saying an emphatic "yes" to investing scarce resources where it counts requires the courage to say "no" to the things that matter least. Unfortunately, too many leaders know what needs to be done but fail to have the courage to face the tough choices required in allocating resources. Instead of disappointing any one group, they end up disappointing everyone.
Leaders who have to be "good guys" make "bum bosses." Any leader who "has to be liked" will be controlled by anyone who disapproves of their decisions. For the best leaders, it is more important to be respected than to be liked. True happiness for your team comes with the success of the company. Winning results are more likely to occur when all the organization's resources are used in support of strategic business goals.
It's time for your question for the week: Where do you need to cut costs to free up the resources you need to invest in what you know has to be done?
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Loren Ekroth surfaces a few more mirthful truths to provide our weekly moment of merriment. Enjoy!
1. You can always smile when things go wrong. . .if you know who to blame.
2. A truly impossible person is one who enjoys the scenery on a detour.
3. If it weren't for stress, I'd have no energy at all.
4. Looking on the bright side, at least wrinkles don't hurt.
5. If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
6. The easiest way to find something that is lost is to buy a replacement.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...