Excellence Takes Time

So, you listened to those external consultants who told you that you can have results if you followed their recommendations. They also told you that you can get the results you want in the short time that you said you needed it...

What they did not tell you was that the results were temporary and usually only last until they leave the project...or, shortly thereafter...and, since you did not understand, or want to understand the measurement strategy, you can not duplicate the measurements or results without bringing them back...When they return, they find other things wrong and want to "help" you improve the rest of your operations...slow down, don't jump in yet...take your time...

Take your time and learn. Learn what the "expert" consultants tell you is going on in your organization before you trust their techniques for improvement. Learn the measurement strategy they will use and how you will continue it when they leave. Learn the objectives, both general and specific, on what they will be accomplishing and how it benefits your organization. If they can not provide this, they are not the experts no matter how many people they have "helped" or how many projects they have undertaken before. They are simply consultants who have experience, not necessarily "experts." An individual who makes burgers at a local fast food place for 10 years has experience in cooking, but they may not be an "expert" chef...think about this for a minute before you just let someone else impact your organization, especially if you think you are just too busy.

If you are a leader in a publicly traded company, you have a commitment to your stockholders to maintain long-term equilibrium. This means that your decisions are good for the long-haul, not just the short-term. If someone sells you quick quality, ask how good it really is and how long it can be maintained. Remember, you have to maintain it. Your company deserves the best. Focus on delivering excellence not numbers. Numbers drive more numbers...Excellence drives loyalty...Loyalty drives results that are good for the organization and the stockholders.

Even if you get results, make sure you can duplicate them. You can duplicate them if you understand them. Good luck and lead well...