business is business

13 08 2008

I have to admit I get tired of the cliche that “my business is different”. Well yes, it is, if you are referring to what you make or do, even how you do it. But, if we are talking about fundamental management issues and business rules, no it is not.

Certain rules just can’t be broken. For example, if you want people to behave like adults, treat them like adults. If you want to be around a long time, think long-term in all your decisions. If you want to provide excellent service, then think from the client’s perspective.

It’s really not that difficult. Use your common sense and put in some hard work! The benefits will be there. I am just sick of listening to clients use whatever excuse they can find so they don’t have to change. Why ask for help if you don’t want to hear it?

My opinion? Maybe if you were open to change you wouldn’t have to be speaking to me in the first place!

© management mojo 2008. All rights reserved.


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Categories : behaviour, life

stop pushing!

7 08 2008

I have just returned from a company-wide conference. Nothing to exciting really. The key message was that we need to grow revenue…surprise, surprise!

Anyway, the message was conveyed to all the “sales” people, that the responsibility lies directly on their shoulders and there will be accountable for not achieving their individual targets. I have two issues with this: firstly, very little authority has been given to the sales people to help them achieve their objectives. In other words, should they need to pursue any business developments initiatives, they need to be signed off from HQ, and then get budgetary approval. Of course budgets are being frozen and even reduced in many areas – a bit of a dichotomy some would say!

Secondly, none of the “leaders” of the business are getting out there bringing in business themselves. Merely passing on the buck, so that if overall company targets are not achieved, they can fall back on the fact that they “told us” it was our responsibility. Talk about abdication…

If you want results out of your people, get in front and lead. You get no respect pushing from the rear!

© management mojo 2008. All rights reserved.


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Categories : behaviour, people, responsibility

how is this a sale?

1 08 2008

I was listening to the radio this morning and a national hardware chain is promoting a sale to take place on the weekend.

“10% off everything” the ad screams at you. It all sounds good, especially considering I need some new garden items and know they carry good quality stuff.

Then at the end of the radio ad, in a different, slightly softer voice: “terms and conditions apply, not available at all stores, some in-store goods may be excluded”. WHAT?!?

This form of advertising is cheap, misleading and manipulative. You are undermining your integrity and ethics – I don’t care if it is legally permissible.

Why do we stand for this? This management team should be shot. If you are going to promote something, carry it through. You lose all credibility when you promote “10% off everything” and the reality is then different, hidden behind all the legal nonsense.

I bet they have honesty and integrity as one of their corporate values though!!! Disgusting really.

© management mojo 2008. All rights reserved.


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Categories : reality, responsibility

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