Category Archives: Leadership

the high cost of errors

The High Costs of Errors

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It just happened again. Different company this time. A package was delivered to my door, but it wasn’t for me. And I wasn’t even sure of the location of the house. It wasn’t close by. Upon reaching out, the company told me to keep it or donate it. So it went in the donation pile for the next time I make a drop off.  The people are always nice through the process. But, it’s clear that the cost of picking up the package and returning it or redelivering it is more than just sending a new one. Errors are costly.

Some companies keep a close eye on errors and try to reduce them. But many companies don’t. And the cost gets buried in cost of sales. Whether it is rework for a services business, manufacturing errors, damage in shipping or shipping to the wrong place, those errors can add up fast. If you don’t already, why not keep track of error rates and work on getting them down.

does the design fit the need

Does the design fit the need?

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The waste management company recently changed its collection vehicles from a two person vehicle that required one person to dump the contents of the trash can into the truck and the other to drive, to the automated version requiring only one person who drives and operates the collection arm. It makes sense from a cost perspective when the labor market is tight. However, the trucks are much bigger and are too big to navigate cul de sacs. So, the driver spends time going forward and backward to navigate the cul de sac and all the bends in the road.

When making decisions, it’s important to look at real life situations to see how well suited a product is for the user.  Sometimes ideas look great on paper, but don’t fare well when it is put into real life conditions. Other times, when it is designed well, it takes off beyond expectations.  And that’s the trick. Testing products to see how well they work for the end customer.

there's always something new

There’s always something new

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Nature has a way of renewing and adapting. We’re now in the season when leaves change colors and fall from the trees. Just the other day, I found a red mushroom. Something I hadn’t seen before. Birds are migrating south. Just about every day, there is something new and different than the day before. And it’s always amazing.

The same can be true in business. Things are always changing. Curious people will look around and find something new and amazing, not just a daily grind. And those are the people worth hiring because they will make every day a good one.

value add or destructive? maybe both

Value Add or Destructive? Maybe a little of both

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One day recently, I was leaning over some plants and was startled to find a praying mantis had taken up residence. They’re interesting creatures. Very fast. Heads that swivel. And typically beneficial in the garden. They’re good at removing insets that are not desirable. But they can also consume beneficial insects such as bees.

Like these complicated critters, people in the workplace can be complicated too. Sometimes people that do a tremendous amount of good can leave some damage behind as well. The trick is to make sure people are focused on the good stuff and kept away from areas where they can cause damage.

knowing the difference

Knowing the Difference

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Now that fall has begun and the rain has returned, mushrooms have started popping up along the trail and in the woods. There are quite a variety. And a few look like the type I get at the store. But I’m not a mushroom expert and there are a lot of look alikes that aren’t edible. Taking a chance on not knowing the difference could be highly problematic.

The same sort of situation can be found in business. It’s easy to pick an option that kinda looks like what you need. But not having the skills to know the one that will work and the one that won’t can take you to a bad place. That’s why having people with the right skills is so important for high impact decisions.

watching concrete dry

Watching concrete dry

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The new sidewalk was nice and winding. But it had a problem that needed to be repaired. And because it was in a public place, the crew had to stay and wait until the new concrete dried before leaving to ensure there was no damage.

Whether intentional or not, people can create a lot of damage by entering areas that are not yet meant for use. They like to check out new things. Whether it is a new facility, or new systems, or something that is not yet complete, having clear boundaries that are respected by people is necessary to keep costs down and maintain functionality.

how do you know when to act?

How do you know when to act?

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The deer saw me before I saw it. I was up the hill and it was in the trees by the stream. It didn’t move, it just stood there staring at me. As I watched it, it’s ears moved around, detecting sounds in all directions. It never broke it’s gaze. It’s a natural protection mechanism, hearing before seeing. The deer knows what is coming and can act accordingly.

In business, that’s not always the case. Mechanisms often aren’t put in place to detect what is coming. Those that do adjust, survive and thrive. Those that don’t ultimately cease to exist.

balance in relationships

Balance in Relationships

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Recently, I was speaking with a woman who shared an experience with a landlord. He was frustrated that she wasn’t contributing more and she was frustrated that he raised her rent. When we talked further, it became clear she had a significantly below market rent. It was clear the landlord was frustrated she didn’t appreciate what he was doing for her. She does a lot of upkeep and provides services that are not normal in a rental relationship. She thinks he may not be aware or appreciate all she does.

These sorts of situations happen all the time in business. Each party feels like they are making significant contributions to the relationship that aren’t appreciated by the other side. Many times, the other party may not even be aware of those contributions. And other times, the contributions aren’t valued because they aren’t needed or wanted. The key to a balanced relationship is understanding the contributions of each party and how those contributions are valued.

remembering

Remembering

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For those of us who were alive and old enough to remember, September 11 was a shocking and tragic day. It was one of those moments that 22 years later you remember where you were and what you were doing when the news broke.  Co-workers who were in the towers that day were lucky to make it out. And a close call for a relative of a co-worker who didn’t get on the plane.

More than 5,000 people have died that day and in the years since from health related complications. More have died and been injured in the wars since. Many, many events and changes to life ensued to protect the homeland. Some changes were small, while others have had a permanent impact on life.

Consequential moments in time are worth remembering.

details matter

Getting the details right

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The people who designed my house really paid attention to the details. Arches appear throughout the house to divide spaces. They also appear on the doors and above the tv/fireplace. Elements repeat through sinks, faucets, trim and molding, and kitchen cabinets. Same with color schemes and tiles. The attention to detail makes the house feel cohesive.

While people don’t always know why, they notice when details are in place or when they are missing. They feel something is off or that they are getting a complete package. Details matter. They elevate the experience and create an environment where people want to be or create products people want to have.