Leading To Results

If we look at all the reports in the news these days, it is easy to get confused. The global and economic news can be fast changing and sometimes even inaccurate. On one-hand the doom and gloom of potential problems and a drawn-out war with Iraq will not come to pass, it appears. Regardless of what critics have said about the war the well-developed plan, bolstered by new technology and carried out by great soldiers with talented professional leaders, has produced quick and effective results. While no war is good and no situation with as many problems as the Suddam Hussein regime in Iraq will be resolved over night, it appears the result will be much better than we could have expected or even hoped.

We can also look at how business leaders feel, and consider what they think the future will hold. On Thursday, April 10th a survey by The Business Roundtable of member companies, with a combined workforce of 10 million and $3.7 trillion in revenues was published. It said, "The Executives expect the US gross domestic product to advance just 2.2% this year, a bit less than the sluggish 2.4% registered in 2002." The survey indicated the executives feel that companies still remain reluctant to increase capital spending and suggest that consumer demand will be the key element to trigger increased capital spending.

In short, it is easy to look to external factors, watch the news, and identify an element that could be a problem or a forecast of negative trends. The real issue in business is not the global situation, or even economic forecasts, but what we are doing in our own businesses to lead employees to produce results. Recently, while speaking for an association, its Director said, "We are replacing our computer system because we have waited as long as we can." Even without better economic news to move people along, many organizations are making positive decisions to invest and purchase new capabilities. There is demand and business continues.

The key is not the global, national, or economic situation, but the situation in our own business. The attitudes and directions that constitute the leadership employees receive are much more important than what is published in the press or even what they hear from other companies. Those organizations, which have developed strong, realistic plans enabled by effective technology that is implemented by capable and willing staff, will be successful. Effective leadership in past instances has proven that it can lead an organization to produce results even when others falter.

It is easy to get caught up in checking the news or the latest economic forecast; however, what are most important are the attitudes and actions of those in the organization. The positive, proactive, sound, business strategies that paid dividends in the past can be refined and applied to today's problems. What is done now will pay dividends today and very importantly in the future. Being timid and failing to act has a price, both today and tomorrow!

Years ago when I worked at Xerox Corporation a very insightful Vice President had this favorite saying, "There is very little that a number of good orders won't improve." This individual was a very astute, effective executive who helped carry Xerox through its heyday. He understood that most organizations are sales driven!

What is being done to create demand and sales for your products and services? Is it enough?

Ask, what are employees focused on? What are you focused on? Are you investing in creating demand for your products and services? Are you finding ways to be successful or are you letting conditions determine your results?

Leadership produces results!

DO YOU WANT BETTER RESULTS?
DO YOU WANT THEM FAST?

Time and again clients tell us they