Prepare for Growth

It may be hard to believe that growth could damage a company, but it's true. An increase in business can strain people, resources and processes to the point that quality is degraded and deliveries are missed. So before you start that advertising blitz, make sure your company is prepared for the extra business it will bring in. Here are a few quick tips to help you prepare:

1. Staffing. If your current staff is working at or near capacity, it may be time to bring in new people. Use temporary help, if possible, until you have a better indication of the new work load. At the very least, begin interviewing potential candidates before your business increases. You'll have a pre-filtered list of names to call as business grows.

2. Resources. Carefully evaluate all resources necessary to your business. Will current inventory levels be enough? Can your vendors handle the extra capacity? Are there enough phone lines to handle the extra calls? Each business will be different, but these sample questions should give you some ideas about what you need to ask.

3. Processes. Most businesses have processes to ensure a smooth workflow, but will your current system handle more business? How much more? What changes will you make as business increases? Again, the questions will differ, but it's better to start asking them before your processes break down, costing you money and customers.

Don't wait until your company is overwhelmed with new business to plan for expansion. Creating contingency plans beforehand will help ensure a smoother transition while minimizing stress to employees and systems. Equally important, planning ahead will help you avoid mistakes that can undermine your entire growth effort.

Resource Review

ORGANIZATION - The Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership

Robert K. Greenleaf (1904-1990) coined the phrase "servant-leader" to define a new style of humanistic management. Founded by Greenleaf in 1964 as the Center for Applied Ethics (it was renamed in 1985), the Greenleaf Center carries on his work. Its mission is "to fundamentally improve the caring and quality of all institutions through a new approach to leadership, structure, and decision making." (n.p.) Under the leadership of current President and CEO Larry Spears, the Center has enjoyed significant growth and now has offices around the globe.

The Greenleaf Center web site includes information about their programs, as well as a vast array of resources for the aspiring servant-leader. We support The Greenleaf Center and recommend them highly to all aspiring (and current) leaders.

www.greenleaf.org
921 East 86th Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: (317) 259-1241
Fax: (317) 259-0560

Quick Tips - Keep Your Clients Advised

This may seem obvious, but you've no idea how many people in the business world don't follow this simple rule. Yet, it's one of the easiest ways to impress a client, even when calling with bad news. If an order is going to be late, don't wait for the client to call. Instead, tell them as soon as you're aware of the problem. This allows the client to adjust their plans to accommodate the change.

Don't make your client look bad by keeping them in the dark. Help them look good by keeping them informed in a timely manner.

You've Got Questions

Q: I work on a computer for most of the day. How can I minimize eye strain?

A: First, consider upgrading your display. Get the best (and biggest) you can afford. We prefer flat-panel displays because they offer a clearer picture. Further, studies have shown that switching to an LCD monitor will significantly reduce eye strain.

Second, at least once an hour (but more often is better), look away from the monitor for a few minutes. Close your eyes or focus on something across the room. Your eyes will appreciate the break.

Thought for the day:

Servant-leadership is the essence of quantum thinking and quantum leadership.
Danah Zohar, (p. 146), Rewiring the Corporate Brain (Berrett-Koehler, 1997)

End of Solutions V2003 #2 A Publication of:
Lane Baldwin Business Solutions
Our business is improving yours.™

Copyright 2003, Lane Baldwin Business Solutions. Reprinting or republication of Solutions is prohibited without prior approval.

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