We live in exciting times
Forget the media and the doomsayers, we live in exciting times and there are countless opportunities to do things differently, better and more economically.
This is a time for fresh ideas and new beginnings. Those who grasp them will prosper. Innovation must be constant because the world around us constantly innovates
For me, owning a small business that did well in the good times was never going to be a passport to recession survival. Business does not receive loyalty points or long-term medals. The world is changing rapidly – new technologies, reshaped values and attitudes and evolving consumer priorities. It is how well businesses anticipate and meet opportunities presented by this changing landscape that will mark them out as successful.
I have also learned that no matter how anxious we are at times like these, it is vital to remain strong, positive and confident. Misery is not conducive to the kind of groundbreaking thinking we need now. It is difficult to hide the strain when the company balance sheet scares the living daylights out of us. But we need to find the strength to stand tall and get more – much, much more from the resources we have at our disposal – staff, space, colleagues and business allies. That’s what my focus is right now.
Launching Thinktastic in January, I knew I had unleashed the right product at the right time. There was always going to be a bit of a lead-time but I never anticipated the level of paralysis that seems to exist out there. Thinktastic finds new ways forward, gets staff to shift their thinking and helps drive things forward. It majors in on resourcefulness rather than resources – exactly what’s needed today. Every enterprise has this in abundance but usually operates at about 60% of that capacity. Even that may be a conservative estimate. Thinktastic helps turn this human resource into a far more creative and powerful force.
The clamour thus far has come from public services, not from the business sector. Yet, I know from talking to business leaders up and down the country that they feel they are ploughing a lonely trough – they toss and turn in their beds at night and resent the fact that their employees are treating it as business as usual. That is a recipe for trouble and deep down we know it. A company is only as good as the sum of it parts. If that doesn’t add up to a go get it, positive and profitable business it is inviting trouble.
Time is not on the side of those who waver. “We’ll wait and see how things pan out.” We’re not spending anything until the situation stabilises.” “This is the wrong time.” You must be joking. This is exactly the time to take action. I contend that those who sit and wait until the wind slows down may find recovery difficult. But that’s falling into the trap of using a negative to make a point.
Business, public service and political leaders take note. There has never been a better time to refresh and reframe what you do. You can plough a lonely trough or involve your staff in generating new ideas, new ways. This will galvanise many to do more and to do better. You will find from within your staff, people who immediately offer ideas to save money, enhance the customer experience, do the job faster, and get people to work longer and harder.
I know. I have asked managers and staff in all sorts of organisations, but using fun, creativity and lots of interactivity to do so. Never underestimate the power that is within your four walls. Call me at Thinktastic on 0131 554 2807 or 07778 781846 if you want to find out more.
Meanwhile, stay strong, resolute and positive.