Page 53 - Biz X Magazine - July/August, 2014 Issue

Caterpillar Inc. — one of the frst companies A frequent cause of wasted time is a a colleague asking our Chairman of the to develop a Code of Worldwide Business lack of clear, direct communications. Do Board why we had to follow a dress code. Conduct in 1974. Tis Code captured basic, not equivocate; tell it like it is; do not use He answered simply by saying: “It’s what general ethical principles to be observed by unnecessary sophisticated language for our customers expect, and it’s what I expect all employees everywhere. In addition, it no purpose. Unnecessary words obstruct because it contributes to the sum total of how provided guidelines for its implementation. communications and ofen result in others judge us and the quality of our products From time to time your employees will have misunderstanding and wasted time. Speak and service.” to deal with diferent cultures and customs, clearly and simply. Communicating is not Why is it important to climb the highest and it is important they be governed by just speaking and writing — it’s getting the mountain? It’s to fend of the danger lurking a common code in order to maintain the message across. in any organization — it’s called Mediocrity. integrity of your business. Develop and Avoid “bottlenecks.” Anyone who fails Mediocrity can sneak up on you like an communicate a Code of Conduct. Tis to take essential action creates a bottleneck insidious disease. Excellence is the alternative principle applies to the largest multinational — a major time-waster because it can waste — the only alternative to mediocrity. Do not company as well as to the smallest start-up. the time of an entire group. Bottlenecks are compromise. Demand excellence in yourself caused by procrastinators, managers who and your team. Climb the highest mountain 3. Stife the Urge to Stife refuse to take a decision. and reach the highest peak. I have observed many times that the Some things change, but there will always best ideas and solutions to problems come be a demand for those who can get quality 7. Show Empathy from the people closest to the work. When work done in a reasonable period of time. Be willing to demonstrate the proper you think about it, it’s just common sense. Remember, time is a valuable resource — degree of empathy in all your dealings with Terefore, we must create a climate and learn to manage it, or it will manage you. others. Confdence is a virtue, arrogance is working environment that encourages and a vice. If you are reading this, it’s likely that welcomes new ideas. Do not stife your 5. Have a Heart you have been blessed with a better-than- subordinate’s fragile ideas with phrases such We ofen hear business being criticized average set of skills and abilities. Be modest as these: for not having a heart. It’s expressed this enough to realize that you have had good • Te Boss wouldn’t like it. way: “Business is too cold,” or “Tey don’t fortune and help along the way. Understand • It’s not in the budget. care about people.” Early in my career, I was that your blessing should also be used to help • Let’s form a committee to investigate it. taught you showed heart by “treating people others along the way, and not just for your • We’re not ready for that yet. as people.” And it was not just lip service — own pleasure and gratifcation. • It’s too far out, and too risky. we meant it and we practiced it. With a modest attitude, you will be more • Find out what are our competitors doing? Realize that everything you do must be patient and understanding of your own You will notice that work groups who done through people — not around them, weaknesses and the weaknesses and faults produce creative ideas are led by managers not above them or below them, not in in others — and you will be much more who do not stife ideas before they are born. spite of them, not without their consent successful as a leader. Tese managers have the skill to listen; they or agreement. No! Te work must be done If you follow these principles and instil single out those who have a creative drive for through people with their complete support, them into the culture of your organization, improvement; they try the untried; and they acceptance, respect and a belief in the you will fnd it reaching for high levels of create a climate that nurtures new ideas. purpose of your direction. integrity, achievement and quality. Your Progress is a process of trial and error. We Having a heart is a two way street. Whether employees and your customers will know all learn from mistakes; therefore, mistakes the person is a subordinate, a co-worker, a you stand for the rights and dignity of the should not be punished — they should be friend or your boss, you each must earn the individual, and they will want to make an thought of as learning experiences. If you are loyalty and respect of each other on a daily association with your organization a life- afraid to risk mistakes, you fail to learn, fail basis. Having a heart means you care; it satisfying experience. to improve and your business will ultimately means you show concern for your actions and Maurice Marwood has over 40 years of fail to survive. their efect on others. And most importantly, international business experience successfully it means building lasting relationships based leading several restructuring assignments 4. Watch the Clock on trust, mutual respect and appreciation in for a variety of Canadian businesses in the Master the use of time. We are all given order to achieve outstanding performance high-value capital equipment industry. He the same amount of time to use or to waste. in yourself and others. And get rid of that is certifed as a lean Six-Sigma Deployment Many times I have heard managers say: “We perpetual frown, and smile. Champion and has used the methodology to don’t have enough time.” improve sales and proft growth. Returning Tere are many things that may have a 6. Climb the Highest Mountain to Windsor in 2009, he started his own claim on your time and it is critical to set Sir Winston Churchill once said: “My consulting frm, MMARCO International priorities and decide how much time each of tastes are very simple. I like nothing but the Services Inc. (MMARCOServices.com), them is worth. It’s a truism that we all have best.” Tis is a good principle for you as an specializing in strategic consulting, executive time to do what’s important because how we individual, as well as for the organization coaching, international marketing, and spend our time is a clear indication of what you lead. Strive for high standards and business planning for entrepreneurs and we consciously or subconsciously judge to excellence in everything you do, whether it is SMEs. He currently mentors entrepreneurs be important. Improving time management design, manufacturing, sales, marketing or and serves on the Boards of local non-proft skills require that we learn to eliminate customer support. organizations, including WEtech Alliance time wasting activities and to make a clear It also applies to appearance, the way you and the Downtown Windsor Business distinction between what’s important and look, the way your ofce and plant looks, the Accelerator. He also instructs part time at what’s urgent. way your employees look. I once remember St. Clair College. BIZ X MAGAZINE • JULY/AUG 2014 53 BizX2014JulyAug52.indd 53 2014-07-01 7:54 PM