Category Archives: Strategy

Market Responsive

Posted on August 1, 2012 by

“You improved your quality, so your warranty program became a competitive advantage instead of a liability. Your lead time was down to four weeks. You lowered your cost structure. Your output and unit profit was consistent and predictable, systems focus. … Continue reading →

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Debriefing Winners

Posted on August 10, 2011 by

“Let me see the projects that you put in for review,” I said, as Sean handed over the list. I scanned down the page, “I see you selected six, tell me, how did you decide which ones for the group … Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy

Timing is Everything

Posted on April 13, 2011 by

I just spent some time digesting the latest report from ITR. I have a sinking feeling in my stomach, mixed emotions. On one hand, the recovery is underway, but the next bump in the road is only a scant two … Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy

The Machines Stood Silent

Posted on December 22, 2010 by

What a year. Running hard, just like you. This has been a year of transition. The world changes. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not get bent out of shape. I know everyone is hoping that 2011 will be … Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy

Third Egg Strategy

Posted on October 20, 2010 by

I have to share with you, a new blog posted by my favorite guru of Customer Service, Howard Hyden. I have been a fan of his ideas for more than a decade. Good stuff. This is his first post. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy | 1 Comment

Nuclear Winter

Posted on October 18, 2010 by

I spent last week working with my executive groups on an exercise with two purposes. The first purpose was to examine this most recent recession and look for lessons learned. The second purpose was to light a fire moving forward. … Continue reading →

Posted in Planning Skills, Strategy | 2 Comments

Can a Mission Statement Be a Picture?

Posted on October 11, 2010 by

“We have to find a purpose that has us?” Rachel was confused. “I’m not sure I understand. We are trying to do strategic planning for 2011. I get that we have to define our purpose. I know that purpose will … Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy | 6 Comments

Undercurrents Will Surface

Posted on August 30, 2010 by

“The economic news is disturbing,” Morgan explained. I nodded in agreement. “So, what are the actual impacts to your business and your market? The world is not ending, it is shifting. You think you are dancing on bullets. You have … Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy

Blessed Are the Flexible

Posted on July 16, 2010 by

So, what is this recovery going to look like. My primary economic forecasters, Alan and Brian Beaulieu are not expecting a double-dip, but they are predicting a long slow dig out. Victor Cheng is issuing a strong warning anticipating a … Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy

Opportunistic Predator

Posted on June 10, 2010 by

From the Ask Tom mailbag. Question: Ever since the recession, our company has been scrambling. There was a time when things were calmer, predictable. Now, our management meetings seem disorganized, we are all over the place, decisions are haphazard. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy | 1 Comment