There are a lot of articles and even books today that say companies put too much emphasis on the bottom line. As someone who’s run mid-sized and large organizations for over 30 years I can tell you that without strong profits and cash flow the options open to your organization are limited. I’ve been on both sides of the equation in fast growth profitable companies as well as underperforming companies and I can tell you it’s easier and more fun riding a winner.
It’s not a matter of putting too much focus on results that is the issue; it’s more a matter of how it’s done.
Knee jerk cutting of costs and people is not really focusing on the bottom line; it’s more about masking problems and mortgaging the organization’s future for short-term gain.
Improving profits and cash flow must create value for all stakeholders, and make the organization stronger and more viable in the long term.
How do you do that? There are three legs to the stool.
- Vision
- Leadership
- Execution
Short change any one of these and your organization suffers.
Competition is fierce, and customer expectations and options are expanding. If you are content with “business as usual”, you are headed for trouble. It all starts and ends with you, the leader, the most visible and observed person in the company.
Whether your business goals are to diversify, improve gross and net margins, grow and thrive or to simply survive, one thing is certain:
You must begin by getting to the bottom line. Leadership and accountability starts with you.
We help organizations clarify their vision as to where they want to go.
Understand in detail where they are now.
Help them align people and processes to meet their strategic direction.
Develop well defined goals and measurements to track progress.
As the illustration shows you need to “Start at the end” with a clear vision.
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