Global Success Isn’t a Straight Road Companies that best navigate obstacles and curves will ultimately win.
by Larna Anderson Beebe
Global competitiveness means consistently outsmarting competitors in the world market. The Internet age has eliminated the obstacle of crossing vast oceans and so reduced the world to a small pond. Suppliers and end users may be miles away but appear local. It is therefore possible for solo entrepreneurs and micro enterprises to swim with the big fish.
No matter what the size or nature of your business, you should understand some patterns that rule the business world. These patterns flow in archetypal and cyclical curves and spirals. They work on the premise that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The element of surprise for birthdays can be pleasant, but surprise for a business can cause it to sink. There are five curves that will assist you in evaluating and elevating your business to global competitiveness. Doldrum Curve The Doldrum Curve is a circle in which “nature hates a vacuum.” Constant evolution will fill the voids left by stagnation, inactivity or hesitation. Many sailing ships were lost for lack of wind. As in the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, the complacent will be overtaken.
Like pioneers of the past, small business owners must demonstrate the ability to overcome obstacles decisively. Plan “B” and even plan “Z” should be in place before threat of extinction arises. A constant quest for bigger, better, faster, first, different or more will prevent business decline, doldrums and death. Business owners cannot propel themselves forward by patting themselves on the back after a few successes. The fittest businesses will find ways to continually refine themselves.
Twister Curve The Twister Curve is a spiral that demonstrates that “what goes up must come down.” Discounting luck, only a well-designed defense will enable you to outsmart something beyond your control. In the 21st century, knowing history is the basic tool for scenario planning.
The challenge is to close the gap between known and unknown. Living in the Midwest, you never know exactly the time or day when a tornado may strike, but it is wise to have batteries, flashlight and bottled water in your basement throughout April and May.
The pattern of the long-term timeline is no different from the day-to-day ups and downs. Businesses should prepare now to capitalize on and adapt to how the world will look tomorrow.
Icarus Curve The Icarus Curve looks something like an inverted “v” with a steady rise and sudden demise. The principle involved is “giving guides getting.” In mythology, Daedalus designed wings made of feathers fused by wax. He failed to explain to his son, Icarus, the proper use of the wings. Icarus flew too close to the sun, the wax melted and he fell fatally to earth.
Robotics allows the Ford plant in Kansas City to be one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the world. Even such a successful operation needs the human element. In order to facilitate smooth transition throughout the vehicle manufacturing plant to the end user it is still manned all the way down the line with skilled programmers, electricians, welders, mechanics and quality inspectors. No machine can replace good training or good service. By giving good training and service, they can boast of being the country’s largest automobile factory in terms of units.
Increment Curve The Increment Curve is represented by charts, because “statistics show status.” Only by measuring can you identify success, and know what must improve or be rejected. The need to track financial figures is obvious. Measuring intangibles such as service is not as obvious, or as simple. But, tracking the results of service is easier. Customer questionnaires, evaluation sheets and mystery shoppers are becoming increasingly popular.
British billionaire businessman Richard Branson holds meetings in his swimming pool, thereby forcing his key people to attend paperless and without laptops. This uncommon method has taught his workforce to be so passionate about measurement that they can cite critical information at any time and any place.
Cuckoo Curve The Cuckoo Curve is a wave-shape that illustrates “the powers that be, aren’t.” It is named after the story of how Seiko in Japan accurately foresaw the development of quartz timepieces. The digital watch was actually invented by a Swiss, but was rejected by clockmakers in Switzerland. They could not see past the paradigm that a timepiece should have movable parts and make “tick-tock” sounds.
Today’s business superpowers may not be tomorrow’s, unless their attitudes remain sharp. Open-minded atmospheres, such as those that banish the phrase “we’ve always done it this way,” prevent blindsiding. Ignoring those who challenge the status quo is shortsighted. Businesses should cultivate a culture that encourages and rewards innovative thought.
Staying on Course Smart business owners, large or small, domestic or foreign, know that life (and business) will throw them a few curves. While your business plan may map a straight line to success, reality is full of detours. The key is anticipating the curves and accelerating through them. The companies that best navigate the curves and obstacles will ultimately win in the global market.
Larna Anderson Beebe is an inspirational speaker and trainer who recently relocated to Kansas City from South Africa. Presentations that have been adapted to audiences in nine countries include cultural diversity, change management, conflict resolution, scenario planning, values and ethics. She can be reached at (913) 642-1114 or . Her Web site is at www.responsegroup.com/larna.
