Podcast Summary
The human touch and excellence are essential for businesses to thrive: In a tech-driven world, prioritizing excellence, focusing on customers, and nurturing a human touch set successful companies and individuals apart.
That in today's hyper-competitive market, the human touch and striving for excellence are what set successful companies and workers apart. Tom Peters, a business expert and author of several books on professional success, including his latest "The Excellence Dividend," argues that the ability to execute well, prioritize correctly, and create a culture of excellence are essential for businesses to thrive. Peters also emphasizes the importance of putting customers first and seeing business managers as coaches of excellence who have a significant impact on people's lives. In his earlier book "In Search of Excellence," published in 1982, Peters identified the Japanese approach to manufacturing as a game-changer, with a focus on creating products that work. His new book builds on this thesis, emphasizing the importance of excellence in the face of technological change. Overall, the message is clear: in a world where technology is eating jobs, it's the human touch and a commitment to excellence that will help companies and individuals stand out.
Focusing on excellence in human interactions and experiences: Excellence in human interactions and experiences sets businesses apart and helps them thrive in a technological world
Focusing on excellence in human interactions and experiences is crucial for businesses in the face of advancing technology. Tom Peters, during his research for the book "In Search of Excellence," discovered that despite criticisms of American management, there were still companies and individuals excelling in their industries. The concept of excellence, often used in arts and sports, was rarely applied to business. Peters believed that businesses, no matter their size, are made up of people striving to accomplish something useful. He passionately advocates for the importance of excellence in business and argues that it is the best way to navigate the technological revolution. A simple yet powerful example of this is a pilot taking the time to assist a passenger in a wheelchair, an act that leaves a lasting impression and cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence. By focusing on excellence in human experiences, businesses can differentiate themselves and succeed in the future.
Execution Matters as Much as Strategy: Success in business relies not only on a good strategy but also on effective implementation and attention to detail.
Execution is just as important, if not more so, than strategy when starting or running a business. This was a theme discussed in the conversation, drawing on examples from various industries and historical contexts. The speaker mentioned how the focus on strategy alone can be detrimental, and that the implementation and attention to detail are crucial. He used the example of Apple, emphasizing the importance of human touches and attention to detail in their products, which sets them apart from competitors, even in manufacturing. Jack Welch's quote, "Strategy is you pick a general direction and then implement like hell," was also brought up to illustrate this point. The speaker started the conversation with a story about Conrad Hilton, emphasizing the importance of action and implementation in business success.
Execution matters in business and life: Focus on execution, not just planning and strategy, in both business and life. Every act is an opportunity to excel.
Execution is crucial in both business and life. The speaker emphasized the importance of execution as the key to success, whether it's running a business or living a fulfilling life. He shared the story of a hotel's shower curtain being a deciding factor for repeat business, highlighting the impact of even the smallest details. In business, the essence of success lies in preparation, practice, and execution, as stated by Larry Bossidy. For individuals seeking advice on their lives, the speaker suggested focusing on execution rather than just planning and strategy. He encouraged taking on unappealing tasks and turning them into excellent experiences, which can lead to opportunities and growth. As a manager or business owner, fostering a culture of excellence involves both finding candidates with a strong work ethic and instilling a focus on execution in the team. Excellence is not a long-term goal but a mindset for the next five minutes, and every act is an opportunity to excel.
The role of a strong company culture in achieving excellence: Hiring individuals with strong communication skills, a warm demeanor, and a focus on professionalism, even in unexpected roles, and building a strong company culture contribute to achieving excellence in business.
Excellence is achieved through consistent actions and a focus on professionalism, even in unexpected places. As the story of the pilot and the lady in the wheelchair illustrates, the culture of an organization plays a significant role in its success. Colleen Barrett, the president of Southwest Airlines, emphasized the importance of hiring individuals with strong communication skills and a warm demeanor, even in technical roles. Similarly, a pharmaceutical company CEO and a special effects company head prioritized hiring nice people and ensuring they fit the company culture, even during the hiring process. Bill Walsh, the coach of the San Francisco 49ers, emphasized the importance of a professional culture in sports, where the score takes care of itself. In business, as in sports, excellence is a result of consistent, professional actions and a strong company culture.
Soft skills set employees apart: Google study found that communication, empathy, and problem-solving are top characteristics of successful employees, even in tech and hard-nosed industries
While technical skills are important for getting a job, it's the soft skills that truly set employees apart and contribute to their success. This was highlighted in a study conducted at Google, where the top characteristics of their top employees were found to be soft skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Even in industries that are considered "hard-nosed," like pharmaceuticals or technology powerhouses like Google, the importance of these skills cannot be overstated. In fact, teams with strong soft skills have been found to outperform those with high technical expertise. So, while obtaining a degree or specialized knowledge is important, don't neglect the development of your interpersonal skills. They may just be the key to your professional success.
Investing in quality underwear and excellent customer service: Investing in high-quality underwear and excellent customer service can lead to improved comfort, alleviated issues, and increased trust and loyalty.
Investing in high-quality underwear, like Saks with its revolutionary ballpark pouch design, can significantly improve comfort and alleviate issues like chafing and discomfort during physical activities. Additionally, excellent customer service is crucial, especially in smaller businesses, where it can set companies apart and lead to increased trust and loyalty. The importance of professionalism, both in appearance and communication, cannot be overstated. In the realm of construction, for instance, a tidy and punctual builder, who returns phone calls and keeps clients updated, can make a substantial difference in the hiring decision. Overall, prioritizing quality and customer service, whether it's in underwear or in business, can lead to immense benefits. For Art of Manliness listeners, don't miss the special offer from Saks Underwear using promo code AOM for $5 off and free shipping on your first purchase.
Recognize and engage team members: Effective leaders prioritize understanding team members' needs through acts of recognition and regular engagement.
Effective leadership involves more than just having a vision or being authentic. It requires consistent execution and connection with team members. The speaker shared the example of CEO Doug Conant, who wrote 30,000 handwritten thank you notes to employees during his tenure at Campbell Soup. This simple act of recognition demonstrated that leaders should prioritize understanding and acknowledging their team members' needs. Another important tactic is "management by wandering around" (MBWA), which involves leaders getting out of their offices and engaging with their teams to illustrate what excellence looks like. Ultimately, leaders must recognize that each team member is unique and requires a tailored approach to motivation and communication.
Effective management at the first-line supervisor level is crucial for a company's success and employee development.: Good managers understand that every employee is unique and require tailored strategies for growth. They significantly impact productivity, retention, and product quality, and have the power to change employees' lives over the long term.
Effective management, especially at the first-line supervisor level, plays a crucial role in the success of a company and in the development of employees. Similar to a second-grade teacher who recognizes and caters to each student's unique needs, a good manager understands that every employee is different and requires unique strategies for growth. Excellent management is a high form of human operation, and a good manager can have a greater impact on people's lives than a heart surgeon, as they are responsible for developing employees and enhancing their capabilities for the future. First-line supervisors are the number one asset in an organization, and they significantly impact productivity, employee retention, and quality of products. A manager's role is to create an environment where employees can be better than they have ever been before, and over a ten or fifteen-year period, they can change the trajectory of hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. This responsibility is even more critical in today's rapidly changing business environment.
Investing in employees' growth and development: Prioritizing people's growth leads to engagement, loyalty, and a positive community impact, benefiting both employees and the organization.
Investing in the growth and development of employees is not only beneficial for the organization but also essential for their overall well-being since people spend a significant portion of their lives at work. As Tom Peters emphasized, it's not just about making workplaces great for productivity or success, but also for improving people's lives. This approach not only leads to employee engagement and loyalty but also sets the organization apart from competitors in an increasingly technological world. The human element is what truly differentiates businesses, and focusing on it can bring personal satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment for both employees and managers. Additionally, the responsibility of businesses to contribute positively to their communities is an important consideration. In essence, the key takeaway is that prioritizing people and their growth is a win-win situation for all involved.
Encouraging Excellence with Tom Peters: Tom Peters' latest book, 'The Excellence Dividends,' inspires readers to pursue excellence. Access free resources on TomPeters.com to help implement these ideas.
His latest book, "The Excellence Dividends," encourages readers to strive for excellence in their personal and professional lives. Peters' resources, including his website TomPeters.com, offer free materials to help individuals implement these ideas. To learn more and access these resources, visit Amazon.com or your local bookstore to purchase the book, and explore TomPeters.com. For more manly tips and advice, visit ArtofManliness.com. Don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Stitcher and share the show with others who might benefit from its content. Stay Manly!
