Liberating business leaders: need of the hour

Let go off the extra fat and muscle up.


Zeeshan Shah April 01, 2012

KARACHI: When we no longer carry on as we did before, there is an impetus to innovate. It is probably the time to look at new ways to create value. The reason we usually do not is because the money is coming in and the tide is stable, so why disrupt everything?

The fundamentals and the deals that we offer in the lives of consumers and customers, now matter more than ever. The business foundation of customer care has to be attractive, relevant and consistent.

What we are going through today is not likely to be a quick dip, as all estimates point to a multi-year recession globally that  impact us locally. Here, there is a need to incentivise non-performers, pour money into training, team effectiveness, clarity and the customer.

Refocus. Let go off the extra fat and muscle up. Review the process chain and rework.

People still go to restaurants but are getting more selective on the menu. Cars are still driven but mileage counts more today than the model. Vacations are still taken, but with a budget this time. People still want great value and more quality as the buyer power is sustained, not reduced. It is very likely that some companies will not make it. Hence, the need for acquisitions to survive arises. To identify the real strategic fit is to re-connect with what the customer “ really “ wants and not by internal research findings based on ancient models, as real time has changed. The KVP – key value proposition – has to be discussed with the customers, rather than inflicted by sheer marketing or hard sell.

Simple rules; wake up grateful and sleep that way too. Most of us have blessed lives despite difficulties. Spend time with the people you love, connect more deeply and celebrate little joys and greater intimacy. Pick the pleasures that really matter to you and enjoy them. Take good care of your health, read a few more books, walk a few more miles. Make friends. There is an absolute need for the world today to clean up its act – financially, environmentally, politically and socially. Do not escalate issues and try to diffuse minor irritants with compassion, perseverance, courage and resilience.

When we meet crisis earlier, we create solutions faster. Take a stand and work as a team – become a community to serve a community. Un-complicate and simplify the vision and most of us will move forward into positive transition than emotional decay. Lead by example and chances are, that you will have a far better chance to overcome crisis and cut through the rough edges. It takes passion to win, in tough times. Leading business leaders is the need for today and beyond 2012.

The writer works in the media and writes on international relations.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2nd, 2012.

COMMENTS (3)

Tasnim Siddiky | 11 years ago | Reply

The article talks about the real, practical solutions to the business problems of today. We are in a world where the only constant is change. Where nothing remains the same forever its a very important task for the managers and owners to know how to act promptly and accurately to the real time situations and this is exactly what the aritcle is all about. I really like reading your articles as they are written about diverse topics. You know how to put the points across the readers!

Sarah | 11 years ago | Reply

@zeeshan shah:

A well written article, with some very useful guidelines not only essential for managing a business but also how to manage relationships effectively in our personal lives.

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