“Every Mower Matters”
ExMark Manufacturing’s director of marketing spoke those three simple words, as he explained their corporate philosophy during a recent visit to their main plant. That phrase is not merely a slogan, however; it’s clearly a strong belief and way of being for their team members. From the moment you arrive at Exmark’s Beatrice, Nebraska plant […]
Texas Talent
It’s been fun to witness the transformation. The possibilities were there all along, lying just beneath the surface, waiting for their chance. When the path was laid out, the constraints removed, and necessary information and resources were provided, it was time for Texas Talent to shine. And shine it has! Our Texas Region is setting […]
The Hard Way
Building lasting client relationships depends heavily on how they start out. Otherwise, you’re forced to do things “The Hard Way”. This doesn’t mean that a business relationship that begins out of sync can’t be corrected, because sometimes it can. But why handicap yourself at the outset? Much better is to spend the time making sure […]
Plan “B”
What will you do when your first choice doesn’t work out? Do you have a Plan “B” ready for action? For the hard-charging, “I want what I want!”, sort of person this may seem unnecessary or even a distraction. For the more thoughtful, “What are my options here?”, sort of person this concept may already […]
Power of One
A message has more impact when it is delivered clearly and with a singular focus. A business that shares One Purpose, One set of Values, One Culture, One (Business / Financial) Language and One Identity, has the potential to become more than simply the sum of its parts. Much more. Together, these things create a […]
Be Intentional
I heard one of our most promising sales professionals use this statement multiple times in a team strategy session this week. He encouraged his team members to “Be Intentional” in everything they do. To “Be Intentional” is the opposite of deciding to “Wing It”. To actually live this statement requires you to know first “Why” […]
Good at Apologizing
When a mistake happens, as it can and will in a world filled with humans, we are taught that the right thing to do is apologize. A prompt, heartfelt apology is appropriate, along with corrective action wherever possible. However, what does it mean if “We’re really good at apologizing” as an experienced leader questioned in […]
Fourth Quarter
That’s when the effort matters most in football. Playing with intensity throughout a game is always important, but it’s how you finish that will be remembered. The highlight reels don’t mean much unless those spectacular moments result in a win for the team. American football is tough business, even brutal. The game is intense, hard-hitting […]
Zero Discussion
That’s what happens when a leader and service delivery team know exactly what to do. “Zero Discussion” is required; their response becomes instinctive and driven by commitment to the cause. Oddly enough, you don’t get to this point without tons of robust communication. That provides the foundation, along with constant reinforcement of the team’s mission […]
210-Year-Old Lesson
Photo Credit: Wikipedia In October of 1805, British Admiral Horatio Nelson faced a daunting threat in an effort to defend the British Isles from a Franco-German armada focused on defeating his lesser force and opening the way for an invasion of Britain. Nelson had 19 ships against the enemy’s 33. The Battle of Trafalgar loomed… […]