The IronMan Business Model and Endurance Approach

January 15th, 2009

As the Iron Man Triathlon comes to town, I was wondering why did they originally chose cycling, swimming and the marathon as the “portfolio of the game.”

Are they the most appropriate sports to be used as a sign of excellence, endurance and worldwide performance?

I am not here to discuss the sport side of things but I was trying to use the same principals to our daily professional lives and business challenges.

So here comes the question ……….

If you had to choose three areas of action (or strategies) to improve a business as a whole what would that be ?

Like the IronMan, lets not think about a short term solutions because after all, this is about an endurance effort to become a class leader or benchmark.

I would give you my shot at it ………… (not in order of importance)

1) Operation performance (product quality, improve efficiencies, reduce waste, improve customer satisfaction, inventory management, lead times, etc)

2) Sales and marketing (Define the appropriate target market and position the products and sales efforts accordingly)

3) Corporate social responsibility (Define and implement short and long term objectives towards employees, community and environment)

Thanks again for your input, time and consideration

All the best

Edison Reis

QAM - Quality Assurance Management

www.QualityAssuranceManagement.com

Xmas wish …… Who would be your Guru of your choice if you were granted an extraordinary opportunity to spend a week with that person? (Current or from the past)

December 10th, 2008

No ……. I am not a Gennie nor Santa but is time for reflection and to re- energize ourselves for the new year.

So …….. Who would be that person ?

My choice would’ve been ” W.E. Deming ”

Happy Holidays to all

Edison Reis

www.QualityAssuranceManagement.com

What are the most important characteristics of a respected and successful leader ?

December 7th, 2008

Recently I read an article defining the followings as the most important characteristics of a successful and respected leader.

(1) Ethical
(2) Inspirational
(3) Innovative
(4) Dedicated
(5) Knowledgeable

Needless to say that they’re all important …… but , If you had to “reprogram” your own mental OS (operational system) to improve your own professional aptitude, how would you input it ? (by importance)

It was very hard to decide about my sequence but here they are ….

3,2,5,1,4

Please fell free to explain or just giving the number sequence.

Edison Reis

www.QualityAssuranceManagement.com

The CEO / President “They don’t need me anymore syndrome”

December 2nd, 2008

What do you do if you’re lucky (and more than good) to reach a point where everyone is performing and achieving your corporate goals? The business is profitable, customers, shareholders and employees are happy.

That’s when “They don’t need me anymore syndrome “kicks in!

OMG ………. What do we do now? What are your thoughts ?

Perhaps it is time to find employers that can help you to get there.

Remove your firefighter suit and grab the visionary one!

www.QualityAssuranceManagement.com

Corporate Social Responsibility: ” The kiss of death or a moral necessity for business survival ? “

November 29th, 2008

CSR strategies have been exponentially evolving and becoming part of today’s business practices. It seem to be an integral process to engage harmoniously with the ” the big four. ” ( clients, shareholders, team members and community)

Some argue that they are an attempt to “sugar coat” the social and environmental damage created by the company. Others may argue that the programs are a waste of resources and they’re misdirecting managers’ attention from profit to social endeavors.

Are business ethics (standards) leading the way towards social improvements or is the ethical approach (behavior) leading to ethical business practices?

It is important to let you know that I was recently called by an executive as ” Madre Teresa in a suit” hence, clarifies which side of this debate I am positioning myself.

All the best

Edison Reis

www.QualityAssuranceManagement.com