Productivity and morale – so important these days. But we get set in our ways. So when someone tries to change things (hence, us) in the name of greater productivity, we often dig in our heels, drag our heels, mope around and/or engage in catty water cooler conversations.
So a bit of passion, explanation and reinforcement from the manager is critical. And the likelihood of success is even greater if all of this is done in a fun, unique way. Here is a great example.
The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, located in Asheville, North Carolina, has a ninety-five year old history of success and a rock solid reputation.
In a Business Class interview, President and CEO, Craig Madison, told me that during his first week as President, he was asked to approve a purchase order for $1.98. It had already been approved by seven people. Craig estimated that the Inn had spent $175.00 to approve the spending of $1.98!
This incident made him want “to kill bureaucracy”, to get the organization to think big but act small.
He compared The Grove Park Inn to a big ship and said, “It takes a ship 60 miles to change direction”.
He knew he needed all 1000 employees to help him speed up his “ship”, so he went around The Inn, handing out dimes to staff members.
What a creative way to share and reinforce the importance of “turning this ship on a dime”.
In addition, believing managers are either quick or dead; Craig reminds his crew of George Patton’s “a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.”
Great reminders from Craig Madison and the Grove Park Inn….
Kill bureaucracy.
Turn ships on a dime.
Be quick or be dead.
copyright 2009 – Jan Bolick, Business Class Inc
