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A Cut Above

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Andy Mclean. (2015). A Cut Above, Acuity. 1 (4), p50.

If your business stakes its reputation on delivering high-quality services or products, then it’s essential you have the capability to execute-especially when the clock is tacking and deadlines loom.

Andy Mclean writes, there are a number of lessons that leaders can apply to any business aiming to deliver premium quality.

  1. Lead by example

Whatever size your business is, there’s no substitute for getting among your people and customers. If you lose touch with the way people experience your business, you will make poor leadership decisions

  1. Never, ever accept second best

If your business trades on being premium, you cannot afford to compromise on quality at any stage. Get your suppliers and your staff into a mindset that only the best will do.

  1. Leak from the outside in

“Innovation stems from looking at the business from the customer’s perspective.

  1. Collaboration creates dedication

Giving your staff input keeps them interested and gives them a stake in what you are doing. It also means the business never stands still, it’s evolving. And it encourages a culture of problem solving too. So get everyone’s ideas on the table.

  1. Listen to loyal customers

“Whatever industry you work in, repeat business is golden. Marketers always say that it’s easier to retain customers than to attract new ones. So if you have loyal customers, take the time to find out why they keep coming back to you. Their insights will help you hold onto them, and help you find ways to develop similar loyalty from other customers.

 

For more details on this article, please see acuitymag.com

7 Business Habits That Drive High Performance

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Nicholas S Barnett. (2015). Seven Business Habits That Drive High Performance. Acuity. 2 (1), p46-p47.

Why do some professional service firms continue to outperform their competition?
Why do some continue to grow and others decline and become less relevant?
Why do some retain and grow their client base while others lose clients and shrink?

Yes, there are short-term initiatives to give firms a boost, like hiring one of the more senior specialists from another firm or taking on a whole term form a competitor. Bust a sustained advantage over competition. It means embedding certain important things so deeply in the culture and DNA of the firm that your competitive advantage and way of life cannot be replicated. So what those few important things.?

Those seven habits are:

1. Live an inspiring vision

2. Communicate clear strategies

3. Develop your people

4. Go out of your way to recognise your people

5. Genuinely care for your people

6. Listen and adapt to your customers’ needs

7. Continually improve your systems

For more information about this article, please see acuitymag.com