The blur that characterizes the speed of business developments today is a challenge for those who manage companies of any kind. So how does a business maintain its edge, produce both turnover and profit and stand out from the competition?
William Taylor, founding editor of Fast Company, one of the excellent speakers at the recent Vision Council Executive Summit last month, provided some compelling insights, describing today’s business environment as “the age of disruption,” where, he said, “originality is the acid test of strategy,” where redefinition is the enhancing of “one of a kind” ideas that help a business, a brand, or both, stand out.
Citing examples from fields as varied as the airline, auto and communications arenas, Taylor said, “It’s not enough any more to be pretty good at a lot of things, but it’s essential to be ‘the most’ at one thing.” He said, “take stock and truly analyze your business’ core mission and execution strength, prioritize it and make clear throughout your organization that everyone really understands this strength, and make “this cause” your focus.
This, he said, is what it takes to cut through the clutter, to be able to instill integrity, confidence, pride and passion among the team, so the customer can relate to businesses that can be a “crucial part of their lives.”
Taylor cited the late comedian and astute social observer, George Carlin, with the phrase, “Vue Ja Day,” the inversion of “Deja Vu.” What are the new ways you can do old things? Don’t let what you know limit what you can imagine.
And, he urged, reach out to everyone in your group who can contribute. “No one thinker is smarter than everyone participating together.” Awesome language and real-life advice. ■
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