In his book Winning, Jack Welch pointed to three types of people in an organization.
15% are top performers creating a competitive edge necessary to propel itself into the future. 15% are lower performers needing to either improve or be replaced. The remaining 70% are the backbone of organizations and responsible for making the business work. Good leadership will guide teams toward the upper grid on a mode of continuous improvement.
We get more of wherever we focus our energies. Lower grid or upper.
Recently, I had a need for something that required a unique ability.
I went to an appropriate place of business in search of that skill. At the counter, I was referred to a specific individual who was out of the office at the time. Another person near by politely asked if he could help? I said maybe, here's what I need, outlining what I was looking for. Then I asked, do you consider yourself an expert in the field? He seemed a bit taken back by the question. Rather than answering directly, he began to confidently outline a long list of credentials that did little more than connect him to the field. I was convinced that he had the credentials, but may lack the talent to do that particular task. I took a shot against my instincts and gave him the job anyway.
As it turned out, I was right. He knew the process, but lacked the ability or the attitude to do the task properly. His statement when I picked up the project, "It's good enough". It was good enough for him, but not for what I needed. I politely paid the bill, and set out for a do over. My mistake!
Pay close attention to your instincts!
Many people think that the term "brand" is simply a name and a colorful logo.
Some think promotions, others think its about themselves, still others see marketing as unnecessary and costly. Names and logos are important because visual associations can be incredibly powerful. So are promotions, people and the list goes on. The real power though, is in the mind of the consumer. It's what people think about a brand. It's what they see in their mind. So every association on behalf of you or your brand is a mental stroke, painting a picture in the mind of the consumer. Some strokes are large and others small, but all make up the scene.
Now that you're in the picture, make sure every stroke contributes to the scene you want to paint!
