Importance of Flexibility
By Kevin F. Clune, CLP
The news of the GDP posting a negative growth rate in the final quarter of 2012 was not too surprising given the uncertainty of this period. Will our political leaders react by changing their strategy? While it is incumbent upon the private sector to react to a losing strategy, most politicians don’t feel so compelled. Just as a good coach can change the play calls at half time, or after power goes out in the stadium, most business owners need to quickly implement changes as a result of poor sales results.
As I pondered this state of affairs, it struck me that flexibility may be the most important quality necessary to coaching a winning team or running a profitable business. Congress could take a lesson.
Since we promote our flexibility as a feature that sets us apart from our competition, it may be worthwhile to examine how best to live up to this claim. As an Independent, privately owned company, we feel that we are uniquely situated to respond to our customer’s needs with customized solutions. However, I would suggest that the challenge for our company and other business owners is to be engaged in the marketplace and ask the hard questions:
- Is your product desirable?
- Are you effectively marketing your product?
- Are you delivering on your promises?
Like the coach who implements new plays when the team is losing at half time, it is sometimes necessary to tweak a product or service. Think Blockbuster or Kodak and you get the picture (no pun intended.) Effective product development requires a dialogue with past, current and potential customers. Honest and constructive feedback should be welcome by coaches and business owners alike.
Prior to entering the arena or marketplace, a coach must have studied their competition and be prepared to distinguish themselves. In a busy world that is full of distractions, it is a constant challenge to break through the barriers. We wonder how to reach customers with our message, encourage inquiries and ultimately gain sales. Communication has changed dramatically and it may be necessary to implement new methods. For example, our company recently created a video message in an attempt to reach customers with our value proposition.
When a team takes the field, a good coach needs to motivate all the athletes to play to the best of their abilities. As soon as the coach notices a weak player, a substitution is made. Similarly, companies need to identify weak links in the delivery of their product or service. Being nimble enough to make a change in the process is critical to success.
If those of us in the private sector fail to react to the winds of change, we will suffer decreased profits. A coach who has a losing season may also lose his job. Unfortunately, our politicians will probably stay the course since they will still get a paycheck, regardless of their decisions.
Kevin F. Clune, CLP
Clune & Company
