Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Let's Talk Turkey
No, not in the literal sense. But in the sense that we are talking reality. For some this is a new thing. Reality, that is. We as managers often times require things from co-workers that is not realistic. Hmmm, Imagine that! An much to our surprise or chagrin they actually accomplish what we asked. What were we thinking!?! I am not sure if we were thinking at all.
Is your skewed sense of reality placing not so realistics demands on othere? Stop and think about it. If they actuall get done what we've asked we should be thankful. that is unless it was a stupid request to begin with. In that case you should be ashamed. Set big audacious goals, but make the benchmark and measuements real.
HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!
My Company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Is your skewed sense of reality placing not so realistics demands on othere? Stop and think about it. If they actuall get done what we've asked we should be thankful. that is unless it was a stupid request to begin with. In that case you should be ashamed. Set big audacious goals, but make the benchmark and measuements real.
HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!
My Company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Too Many Numbers
There are far to many meaningless numbers floating in space that people think are concrete or important. Of course there are some numbers that exist for a reason. To show financial health of a company, to show which items are making money, or show the cost of quality.
So, which ones are mportant to you? In some fashion they all are. Company owners need to know how the company is doing. Or they wish to know what materials and labor are costing. I am pretty sure I have said this before but it bares repeating. Measure and track what is important to you. measure the things you want to get done. If you don't measure it they won't do it.
So for you managers out there don't have people measuring things just for the sake of doing it because someone says you should. It also helps to explain to those you work with why they are doing it. And for those of you doing the measuring, sometimes you have to just shut up and do what you are asked. In either case measure only what you need to!
my company website:
www.theromgroup.com
my linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
So, which ones are mportant to you? In some fashion they all are. Company owners need to know how the company is doing. Or they wish to know what materials and labor are costing. I am pretty sure I have said this before but it bares repeating. Measure and track what is important to you. measure the things you want to get done. If you don't measure it they won't do it.
So for you managers out there don't have people measuring things just for the sake of doing it because someone says you should. It also helps to explain to those you work with why they are doing it. And for those of you doing the measuring, sometimes you have to just shut up and do what you are asked. In either case measure only what you need to!
my company website:
www.theromgroup.com
my linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Team
Are you a team leader? Or are you a member of a team? Is there a difference, really? At some point in time there may have to be a difference but 90% of the time there shouln't be.
You are a dreamer! Says you! Part of being a team member is to work to solve solutions as a unified body. Solutions that work to improve the team as a whole. So I ask, is there such a thing as a "bad" idea? I say no. There are just some ideas that may not work as well as others. THose ideas may pertain to measures that need to be taken for the sake of quality, or processes that may need to be changed in order to improve quality or reduce cycle time.
When these suggestions are made by team members do we pass them off as "stupid" because it is someone who has never run a machine? Or maybe it is because the teammamber is not an MBA. Whatever the case these bias can not exist if your facility is to be trully world class. Quite honestly in order to compete on a global scale every avenue must be explored in order to hold down cost and improve products. But remember this one point. Find out what good enough is and be alittle better. Not alot just alittle. We need to realize our customers may not find value in what we perceive valuable.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
You are a dreamer! Says you! Part of being a team member is to work to solve solutions as a unified body. Solutions that work to improve the team as a whole. So I ask, is there such a thing as a "bad" idea? I say no. There are just some ideas that may not work as well as others. THose ideas may pertain to measures that need to be taken for the sake of quality, or processes that may need to be changed in order to improve quality or reduce cycle time.
When these suggestions are made by team members do we pass them off as "stupid" because it is someone who has never run a machine? Or maybe it is because the teammamber is not an MBA. Whatever the case these bias can not exist if your facility is to be trully world class. Quite honestly in order to compete on a global scale every avenue must be explored in order to hold down cost and improve products. But remember this one point. Find out what good enough is and be alittle better. Not alot just alittle. We need to realize our customers may not find value in what we perceive valuable.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Monday, November 10, 2008
Benchmarks
What type of leader are you? Do you or are you asking those that you work with to attain a standard that you yourself are not willing to work to? Oh, I know you've worked hard all those years so that you don't have to now, Right!?! Are you measuring others with a different measrement that you are using? If so, why?
As a leader why would you ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do? That absolutely makes no sense. The leadership you bring to the table should empower those around you to be better that they ever dreamed possible. Now I know that this seems really idealistic. But is it really? Why is it so hard for us to assist others in improving themselves and attaining thier goals. If we can do that one thing those we work with will rise u even in the most adverse situations. here is an example.
In my past life I worked at a sprocket manufacturer and we had a huge order of idler sprockets that needed to go on a semi by Thursday at 5 or we would face a penalty. the painting process left enough paint in the bore that we could not press in the bearings. The bores had to be reemed and the beairng pressed by hand. I grabbed a machine operator to help with the sprockets. During the scramble to get the shipment out the operator kept thinking there has to be an easier way. THe result was he came up with a process that would allow us to finish bore the sporckets and press the bearings in the same operation on the machine he ran.
Here is my point. I was on the floorr helping process the sprockets for the shipment. Everyone pitched in because that is the tone we had set at the facility. But we also pushed and pulled those we worked with to improve anything we were doing. What I described above is the result of that. So be willing to get your hands dirty, you may be surprised what you get in return.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
As a leader why would you ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do? That absolutely makes no sense. The leadership you bring to the table should empower those around you to be better that they ever dreamed possible. Now I know that this seems really idealistic. But is it really? Why is it so hard for us to assist others in improving themselves and attaining thier goals. If we can do that one thing those we work with will rise u even in the most adverse situations. here is an example.
In my past life I worked at a sprocket manufacturer and we had a huge order of idler sprockets that needed to go on a semi by Thursday at 5 or we would face a penalty. the painting process left enough paint in the bore that we could not press in the bearings. The bores had to be reemed and the beairng pressed by hand. I grabbed a machine operator to help with the sprockets. During the scramble to get the shipment out the operator kept thinking there has to be an easier way. THe result was he came up with a process that would allow us to finish bore the sporckets and press the bearings in the same operation on the machine he ran.
Here is my point. I was on the floorr helping process the sprockets for the shipment. Everyone pitched in because that is the tone we had set at the facility. But we also pushed and pulled those we worked with to improve anything we were doing. What I described above is the result of that. So be willing to get your hands dirty, you may be surprised what you get in return.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Friday, November 7, 2008
Another Week Has Gone By
Another week has gone by. So tell me what has changed in your world? The stock market is in the middle of a roller coaster cycle caused by a ton of unregulated activity.Can you tell me when it became envogue to bet on someone elses failure in real life and not on a playing field? I always thought the American dream was for everyone to achieve some sort of success. I may be idealistic but isn't that what the "dream" stands for?
There is also an unreal amout of political finger pointing going on. To put it nicely its a he said she said situation at best. The bottom line is none of the politians can agree long enough to determine the best course for our country! These supposed educated people appear to become extreamely narrow minded when they enter the district of Columbia. THose same elected officials are there to represent the people that voted them in. Can you see me laughing? I wish you could!
Still more time has passed and as business people we have a responsibility. A responsibility to the people who work for us and work with us. We have a responsibilty to the community. To actively be a part of the community. To "set the standard" in the community. To require more of those around us than they thought possible. To expect more of our public servants as well.
WHat bench mark will we set going forward. We have just come through a period of time when alot of promises have been made so people can attain positions the think are important. Can we set benchmarks for them the way we do for ourselves and our businesses. I think we should! I think then there would be a true vote on actions or accomplishments and not mere promises. WHo holds those who are in public office accountable? I want to know. Let's talk.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
There is also an unreal amout of political finger pointing going on. To put it nicely its a he said she said situation at best. The bottom line is none of the politians can agree long enough to determine the best course for our country! These supposed educated people appear to become extreamely narrow minded when they enter the district of Columbia. THose same elected officials are there to represent the people that voted them in. Can you see me laughing? I wish you could!
Still more time has passed and as business people we have a responsibility. A responsibility to the people who work for us and work with us. We have a responsibilty to the community. To actively be a part of the community. To "set the standard" in the community. To require more of those around us than they thought possible. To expect more of our public servants as well.
WHat bench mark will we set going forward. We have just come through a period of time when alot of promises have been made so people can attain positions the think are important. Can we set benchmarks for them the way we do for ourselves and our businesses. I think we should! I think then there would be a true vote on actions or accomplishments and not mere promises. WHo holds those who are in public office accountable? I want to know. Let's talk.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Thursday, November 6, 2008
How Are You Feeling?
How are you feeling about the all of the hcanges that have taken place in the past few months? Can we talk? I mean really talk.
Somedays when you come in to work you feel like you are going for a rodeo ride on a bull and you just pray you don't fall off and he doesn't turn and try to finish the job. Other days, everything kind of makes sense. I am not sure which scares me the most.
As business owners our respnsibility to those who work for us is to make sense of everything that is going on. At least as best we can. Why? You ask? It goes back to what I wrote about yesterday. Treating others the way you want to be treated. If you had the ability to have a trusted resource you would use it. For those that are a part of your team you are that resource. If your coworkers can come to you and get thier fears calmed then they become more efficient at what they are doing because they spend less time worrying about things they probably can't control anyway.
The key here is to be HONEST! If you have the answer and can share it then you should. If you really don't know then you need to be HONEST enough to admit that as well. People respect honest answers and most crave stability. We can be the source for both. It's your choice.
My company:
http://www.theromgroup.com/
My Linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Somedays when you come in to work you feel like you are going for a rodeo ride on a bull and you just pray you don't fall off and he doesn't turn and try to finish the job. Other days, everything kind of makes sense. I am not sure which scares me the most.
As business owners our respnsibility to those who work for us is to make sense of everything that is going on. At least as best we can. Why? You ask? It goes back to what I wrote about yesterday. Treating others the way you want to be treated. If you had the ability to have a trusted resource you would use it. For those that are a part of your team you are that resource. If your coworkers can come to you and get thier fears calmed then they become more efficient at what they are doing because they spend less time worrying about things they probably can't control anyway.
The key here is to be HONEST! If you have the answer and can share it then you should. If you really don't know then you need to be HONEST enough to admit that as well. People respect honest answers and most crave stability. We can be the source for both. It's your choice.
My company:
http://www.theromgroup.com/
My Linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Business as Usual?
So, tell me. With all of the change that has taken place in the past few months is it business as usual? Can it be? I think in part we all have to do the things that need to be done. Such as, buy, sell, and produce.
As business people we will have to adjust to the changes in the financial markets and how the banks will be handling monies with regard to loan rates, or whether they loan money at all. Business is not rocket science. Business involves a lot of common sense. Some people have it and others do not. Those that do not are not always successful.
I believe moving forward businesses will have to reduce thier debt load. We can't cotinue to run a deficit either as a nation or as a business. We can not continually run our households on more money than we have. At some point it catches up to us. So as businesses we should learn to "live within our means".
We also need to treat others the way we want to be treated. We need to treat fellow workers or employees like we want them to treat us. If you always have a poor attitude about things life will come back at you on of two ways. People will quit coming around or you will get the same attitude back. It's common sense! how come we don't get it? I found this in an ancient text called "The Bible". Matthew 7:12 to be exact. Read it. It will do you good.
The bottom line is we need to use the stuff between our ears for something more than a hat rack.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
As business people we will have to adjust to the changes in the financial markets and how the banks will be handling monies with regard to loan rates, or whether they loan money at all. Business is not rocket science. Business involves a lot of common sense. Some people have it and others do not. Those that do not are not always successful.
I believe moving forward businesses will have to reduce thier debt load. We can't cotinue to run a deficit either as a nation or as a business. We can not continually run our households on more money than we have. At some point it catches up to us. So as businesses we should learn to "live within our means".
We also need to treat others the way we want to be treated. We need to treat fellow workers or employees like we want them to treat us. If you always have a poor attitude about things life will come back at you on of two ways. People will quit coming around or you will get the same attitude back. It's common sense! how come we don't get it? I found this in an ancient text called "The Bible". Matthew 7:12 to be exact. Read it. It will do you good.
The bottom line is we need to use the stuff between our ears for something more than a hat rack.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linkedin profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
GO VOTE!
Get out and vote for the people that God is leading you to vote for.
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linked in profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
My company:
www.theromgroup.com
My linked in profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Monday, November 3, 2008
A Long Time
It seems as though it has been ages since I have written anything. Not that I fancy myself a writer. Somewhat opinionated but not a writer.
Business is common sense. I have a hard time understanding why we try to make it harder that what it really is. Is it for job security, because you know if the people you work with knew how easy it is they may change thier mind about you. I think it is more about moving people into positions where thier strengths outshine thier weaknesses. Not being in a position that fits your skill set is when complication comes into play.
People that are working in areas for which they are not suited have to create systems to offset the weakness. Those systems inturn create bogus measures of items that ypically mean nothing to anyone. But Hey! It looks good!
I guess what I am really trying to say or asking is for you to take a good look at yourself and your staff to ensure you all are in your areas of strength and not weakness.
My company website:
www.theromgroup.com
My linked in profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
Business is common sense. I have a hard time understanding why we try to make it harder that what it really is. Is it for job security, because you know if the people you work with knew how easy it is they may change thier mind about you. I think it is more about moving people into positions where thier strengths outshine thier weaknesses. Not being in a position that fits your skill set is when complication comes into play.
People that are working in areas for which they are not suited have to create systems to offset the weakness. Those systems inturn create bogus measures of items that ypically mean nothing to anyone. But Hey! It looks good!
I guess what I am really trying to say or asking is for you to take a good look at yourself and your staff to ensure you all are in your areas of strength and not weakness.
My company website:
www.theromgroup.com
My linked in profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/autenjim
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