Tools For The Job
Been watching some interesting debates on the sort of person needed for these turbulent times. Whilst individual views differ, the same broad trends emerge (in no particular order).Adaptability: you must be able to think and move on your feet. Jacks-of-all-trade are likely to be more in demand as these people show flexibility and can react quickly to changing circumstances.
Thinking outside the box: specialists may not be able to "see the wood for the trees". What are needed now are solutions and "blue sky thinkers".
Leadership: people with a "can do" and "take charge" attitude.
Ruthlessness: well, not sure about this. Do you want someone who will alienate the workforce and/or customers? I would describe this more as "focus".
Revenue/Cost-Consciousness: you must have an eye on the bottom line. Will a proposed action make or save money?
Focus on Customer Satisfaction: if you depend on others buying your goods/services, you had better make sure you know what they want and deliver it immaculately. Unless you are a monopoly service provider, there's too much competition out there. Staying close and preserving that annuity income is probably more important than generating new sales (which will come of themselves anyway if you stay close enough). Have a look at what Michael Heppell has to say on the art of brilliant service.
Ability To Plan For Alternatives: many companies are having trouble forecasting what will happen in the next quarter, let alone year. Some have (sensibly) decided that the only way is to plan for different scenarios and to devise actions for each. Takes more time, but if it saves you...
Attention to Detail: it's no good having great plans if you can't work out how to implement them. Have the ability to delve into detail, or get someone on the team who can.
You won't necessarily find all the above in one person, but if you have these skills in the senior management team, you're off to a good start.
posted by William Martin @ 01:11
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