Seeking Clarity in Uncertain TimesWritten by David Brewster
'Clarity' is one of those rare words in English language that is so basic, so fundamental, it virtually defines itself. We know when we have it but it can be very elusive. Most importantly, it is something we need - in our lives and our businesses - if we wish to move forward.Clarity is essential to progress on a number of levels: - We need enough clarity of 'now' in order to afford ourselves luxury of looking forward. Not understanding where we are is like remaining in idle while we try to work out what rattle is under bonnet. - We need enough clarity of 'where' in order to move confidently in right direction. 'Where' doesn't need to be a sharply defined beacon, clearly visible down road, but it does need to be bright enough to distinguish itself in a fog. - We need enough clarity of 'how' to be able to judge which side-routes will take us forward and which won't. We will be tempted by numerous attractive detours along way; we need to make sure that those we take also move us forward. There is a nice paradox about clarity. On one hand, crystal-clear clarity has a habit of replacing long-standing angst, puzzlement or confusion instantly and without warning. Remember trying to get your head around some maths or science concept at school, when suddenly penny drops and you wonder how you ever missed point in first place! On other hand, clarity about 'real world' situations is seldom absolute. The world is too complex. It is all humanity mixed with systems mixed with uncertainty. Just when we think picture is becoming clear, someone moves antenna and we find ourselves snowed in again.
| | Systems for Simplicity: What any Business can learn from McDonald'sWritten by David Brewster
Open any book on subject of building effective business systems and you are sure to find McDonald's used as a prime example. Now their food mightn't be to everyones' liking, but it has one outstanding characteristic: it is entirely predictable. And few could argue that they haven't been successful.Consider this: in less than fifty years, McDonald's have built over 29,000 stores based on a very robust system. If you didn't like Big Mac you had in Moscow, you can be sure you would equally dislike Big Macs you might have in Madrid, Melbourne or Manila. Of course, McDonalds have it easy. Their business has never been about their food - it has always been about their systems. It is sameness of their food, rather than its originality, which is what their customers expect. So it is sameness that they deliver. Which is hardly what most of us are looking to provide, is it? We are selling a product or a service - not a 'system'. Our creativity, our unique approach, our flexibility to customer needs - these are what we are selling. The McDonald's approach seems anathema. The reality is that systems have a place in every business because, used properly, they can help us achieve something that every business wants: efficiency and happy customers.
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