Often, the current circumstances are demoralizing. Whether because of their irrationality, the sense of injustice or powerlessness they generate, or because of this tendency to live on the brink of leaping into the void we seem to cultivate, the truth is that once again, companies face a dilemma: how to sustain profitability or even continue growing under these conditions?
I don't want to theorize. But I think it's worth asking Dr. Stephen Covey for an idea:
Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern
Let's start with the outside.
The circle of concern encompasses those things, circumstances, decisions, and scenarios that, while they may affect us, are beyond our ability to act (at least for now). Inflation, the dollar, global markets, political struggles, suppliers (although we know we can and should work together with our suppliers!!).
In contrast, the Circle of Influence is where we can and should act because any improvement we make there has a direct impact on the results.
Our circle of influence extends from the company's walls inward. That's why we believe that Continuous Improvement programs (5S, TPM, Lean, Kaizen events, etc.) are always the preferred tools, but especially when we need to rethink, redesign, and streamline our efforts to sustain our market position without losing sight of our goal: profitability.
It's always possible to think that the whole problem lies outside. And it's likely that many times it's even true! But the response to that situation is our responsibility. Improving the productivity, the quality, lower the costs, improve the deliveries, eliminate the accidents and increase the satisfaction of those who work with us is almost an imperative of reality.
See you in the next news
