The Real Winners Are Those Who Can Get Up
I grew up in the 1960’s – a time when people were fascinated by and caught up in the world of boxing. Like many, the one boxer who really stood out to me was Muhammad Ali. Not only was he great in the ring, but he was also a marvel at self-promotion. Part of the mystique he was able to build around himself was due in large part to all the catchy sayings and clever quotes he came up with.
As I’ve watched the current economic turmoil unfold and play out around us, there’s one Muhammad Ali quote especially that keeps ringing in my ears:
“There’s nothing wrong with getting knocked down, as long as you get right back up.”
Today’s business landscape seems to be in constant flux and at times it feels like we’re in a proverbial boxing ring. Operating in today’s climate is all about trying to anticipate where the next jab or punch will come from and if one of those blows does connect and knock us down, having the ability to regain our feet and stay in the match.
We’re not receiving pressure from just one front but several:
Politically
Greater awareness of what is happening on the political front, whether it’s on a global, national or regional level is key. This knowledge informs us about matters that may affect how we conduct business such as trade and economic sanctions, export and import controls, regulatory standards, political stability, industry policies and overall government efficiency and corruption.
Economically
Uncertainty in the US market is of particular concern – especially the turbulence that could ensue if the debt limit is reached. Each day, each organization (and each person for that matter) needs to ensure that they have a firm handle on their financial resources to account for economic instability, exchange rates, sunk costs, cost of land, high tax rates, wages and assets.
Socially
It’s important to be familiar with the preferences and values of your consumer base. Environmental, corporate social responsibility, labour rules and the ground rules in general are changing so rapidly and vary from country to country. Sometimes it’s difficult to align what’s socially appropriate from a Canadian perspective when you are dealing with suppliers and customers that are external and may operate under a different value system.
Technologically
The number of new applications and platforms is changing at record speed. Keeping up with these technological advances may make you feel as if you’re jumping onto a speeding train as it barrels through the station. However, knowing what the speed and trajectory of the incoming train is and its ultimate destination is important so that once you jump you’ll land on firm ground rather than figuratively landing in the gap.
Like a boxer in the ring, unless you are getting up, you are of no value. You don’t just want to jump up irrationally though and right into the path of another punch. A well-planned approach that can anticipate the various different attack fronts may be the order of the day.
Like Ali, confidence in your ability to rise up and meet challenges doesn’t hurt either.
RSVP For Change: The advice given by Ali is just as valid now as it was when I was a kid. It might even resonate more now given the constant pressure of today’s business climate. We’re not just being hit from one direction but many. It’s now more important than ever to understand the forces that are out there so you can plan for your defense and counter-attack.
Management Insight: So even if you are getting knocked down by one of your competitors, you don’t gain any ground by remaining on the mat. Only those that choose to move and get back up to rejoin the match can advance their objectives.
Linda Craig (@LindaCraigRSVP)
More Supply Chain insights at www.Retention.ca
