I was recently asked over lunch to list and describe what I think separates those really great businesses from the rest of the pack. As usual, I went a bit overboard but here is what I came up with.
- edgy in innovation but smooth in execution
- funky
- crisp pace
- really great people
- people have freedom to think; people have freedom to act, to do their very best
- juice
- design, excellent facilities
- PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE!
- culture of people first
- positive vibes
- impossible to duplicate (especially the culture)
- depth, got a bench of quality reserves that can step in and produce, execute
- attitude (gumption, spunk) + attitude (positive)
- fun
- caring, personal, passion
- out of the box thinking, thrive on changing the rules, innovative
- focused
- priorities are the right ones and everyone knows them
- candid culture, realism, high integrity
- coaches, joyful responsibility to contribute and teach others
- team spirit
- thrive on change
- accept and conquer adversity
- break the landscape down into simple views....simple measuring sticks
- accountability and discipline
- reward and retain the "doers"
- passion, enthusiasm, and energy. WOW! experience and you can feel it
- try it, then dream it, and then try some more
- Really great Leadership
- Solid goal setting
- Training (and presence of leadership/top management training too)
- People come first then profits later
- Don't run out of cash...great cash controls and an understanding of inventory r.o.i
- Did I say: PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE
