The following article was in the Wall Street Journal on July 7, 2008.
In Search of Growth Leaders
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121441083243003809.html?mod=todays_us_nonsub_journalreports
It's a powerful, timely article about nurturing and harvesting talent within a company to create organic growth particularly through the middle management ranks. The article takes the perspective of the Executive level illustrating several real life cases of where the middle level talent created value and drove organic growth.
For this post, I'll challenge those readers who are currently at the middle management level to ask themselves if they are prepared to leverage the knowledge presented in this WSJ article for their companies and careers. In a weaker economy, job cuts, efficiency modeling, CEOs and Sr Executives are looking within for additional growth and profitability. For you, dear mid-level manager reader, it's about creating value.
Some highlights:
- WSJ: "All of the growth leaders in our study had unusually varied experience early in their careers". What this speaks to is making sure that you have a diverse background of experience. If you don't have it now you may be behind but think now for the next turn. If you're in sales, is it worth gaining some experience in operations or marketing? Being more than a one trick pony is incredibly valuable - especially in difficult times. Plus, the additional perspectives help you to look at multiple angles and maximize an opportunity quickly.
- WSJ: "They thrived on accepting challenges, taking action and getting immediate results". Seems pretty basic, doesn't it? But not so common. If there is untapped potential within an organization it's likely because someone isn't taking some action. Take Initiative!
- WSJ: "growth leaders think like entrepreneurs". Taking the position of "if this my business" and having the fortitude to take some risks. What HAVEN'T we tried?
- WSJ: "Although growth leaders embraced new ventures, they weren't risk seekers. In fact, they minimized risk wherever possible". Take a risk but don't bet the deed to the house on the 1st hand. Take action, measure for result, then take massive action.
- WSJ: "Success was based more often on thoughtful exploration of customers' needs than on dry market data". You have to drill down to what the customer really needs. So many businesses are dependent on research and abstract data collection. When you want to grow from within it's key to get back to the basics of why customers do business with you in the first place and leverage that knowledge to serve their needs at a deeper level.
We're in uncertain times. Companies will continue to be buckling in and finding the greatest value from within. Be prepared, be a leader and create opportunities for your company and your career.
Read also:
Posts
