Purpose

Purpose Drives Profit

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Bad things happen when profit is separated from Purpose. The negative consequences include poor quality, myopic focus and short-term thinking that can  be destructive. Over time, organizations become consumed with surviving and reacting to the marketplace. Purpose can be forgotten, beyond the need to make money. Yet evidence is growing, particularly on Wall Street, that an organization’s commitment to fulfilling its Purpose achieves goals and elevates performance. “A great strategy without a compelling purpose is like …

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The “Can’t See It” Excuse

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In a recent posting, Seth Godin offered an illustrator’s analogy about visualizing goals. “If you can’t see it (in your mind, not with your eyes), then you can’t draw it.” (Drawing an owl – 1/7/14) Leadership is about communicating purpose, vision and direction. But it is also about helping your people engage so they can contribute to the big picture. As Seth mentions, there are thousands of concepts about how to lead people, how to …

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3 Steps to Energize Your Business for 2014

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perMany organizations begin the new year by assessing what worked and what didn’t during the prior year. If your evaluation leads to the conclusion that your business needs to kick start its growth, then consider 3 proven actions that will energize your business. Companies are consumed with surviving and reacting to the marketplace. What began as an opportunistic business loses focus over time, beyond the need to make money. But the risk of failing to …

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Make It a Year of Firsts

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A couple of weeks ago, I experienced the joy of becoming a first-time grandfather. A beautiful baby boy was delivered by our first born daughter. These are the moments that define a life well lived and we are blessed that mom, dad and baby are all doing well. The year 2014 can be a year of firsts for you too…firsts that drive your growth. Start the new year by considering how these 3 “firsts” can drive …

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Compelling First Impressions – 3 Steps in 3 Minutes

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Never underestimate the power of first impressions. Your first three minutes with a new prospect is your opportunity to put your prospect at ease and gain insights into his or her thinking. The approach you use can begin building trust or destroy the new opportunity. The opening of your first visit with a new prospect is about establishing rapport as a foundation for building trust and confidence. Connect with the person before talking about business. …

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Is Fear Inhibiting Your Growth?

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As businesses grow, their organizations become more complex. Responsibilities are divided to drive productivity and goal achievement. Department leaders become endowed with control, which they then strive to protect. The fear of losing control often causes these leaders to erect barriers. Barriers promote bureaucracy, inefficiency, low morale and failure by shifting the focus away from the organization’s goals to a concentration on departmental needs. Full engagement with customers is hampered by competing priorities within the …

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