Radish Sprouts

JIM COLLINS ON BUSINESS GROWTH -- IS GROWTH ALWAYS THE KEY TO SUCCESS?

"To be a great company, you must have an upper bound on growth and have the discipline to leave some growth on the table," says Jim Collins, best-selling author of Good to Great and How the Mighty Fall. This may seem like a strange recommendation given that so many companies today are struggling to grow.

To make his point, Jim Collins posed a growth quiz to the hundreds of CEOs of Gazelles (those firms growing more than 20% per year for 4 years or more) at the recent Fortune Small Business Growth Summit in Dallas. You have the option of investing in either Firm A or Firm B. They are both in the same technology driven growth industry as early-stage entrepreneurial ventures having equivalent products and markets with good long-term potential. Firm A has an average net income growth rate of 25%; B's is 48%. Should you invest in A or B?

GROWTH CONSTRAINTS? Does your firm have limitations on growth? Jim Collins recommends that you set a minimum performance expectation to hit no matter what. What's the performance hurdle that you'll always hold even if it requires you to limit growth? In terms of performance, you may choose to maintain core values, ensure quality, not risk more than you can manage to lose in the worst of times, have a certain profit per year, sustain your culture, or not lose control of the company and how you manage it.

IS GROWTH THE MOST IMPORTANT SUCCESS FACTOR? In the example of firms A and B, firm A has a standard deviation (s.d.) on its average growth rate of +/- 7 and B has a s.d. of +/- 323. Additionally the range of A's growth rate is 20 to 44, while B's range is -397 to 1288. Eventually firm A was trading at $290 and B at $14. Furthermore, B had lost control of its destiny. This real example, with the identities hidden, shows that growth is not the most crucial factor.

Jim Collins further remarks on taking advantage of tough situations, "If your firm goes into turbulent times strong, you have the chance to shine. The difficulties will expose your strengths relative to others. If you go into challenging times weak, it will show your weaknesses. It is more important what you do BEFORE the storm comes, than WHEN the storm comes. A storm holds great opportunities and it is something you do not want to waste."

DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF COMPANY YOU HAVE NOW: Level I - a strong company (such as Intel), Level II - not as strong, or Level III - already weak (such as General Motors). Ask what you can and must do so as not to waste the opportunities from the storm. Take this as an assignment: establish two or three things you must do differently so that you'll never go into a storm other than as a Level I strong firm.

ESTABLISH SHOCK ABSORBERS. Another Jim Collins' suggestion is to build in shock absorbers to protect your firm. For example, reach a point where you could run your company for an entire year even if you would not receive one penny of revenue.

REVISE YOUR STRATEGY AND THEN ACT. Gather together your executive team, business coach, and advisors for a strategy session. This is the perfect time to revise your plan for the next year. Consider the following:

	Determine your constraints on growth. What is the performance hurdle that you'll always maintain even if it limits growth?
	Establish two or three things to do differently so that you'll never go into a storm other than as a Level I strong firm.
	Identify and install shock absorbers to protect your firm.

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

copyright 2009.

BUILD A HIGH-TECH WORKFORCE WITH MESA

When David Davenport was in high school, he discovered something that changed his life—he was good at math and science and enjoyed solving real-world problems with these tools.  This insight came as a result of participating in Colorado MESA.  Now an IBM engineer, David also became chairperson for the Denver chapter of National Society of Black Engineers. 

 

The Need.

If Colorado is to maintain its high-tech edge, it needs a properly trained and motivated work force prepared to pursue the passionate purpose of innovation creation. What people, employers, and the state need are MESAs—programs which encourage students to reach their potential in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  Education and support are the answers.

 

What is MESA?

Colorado MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) is a state-wide pre-college program that provides after school math- and science-based learning activities to over 3,600 preK-12 students(in 2009), over 78% of whom are from ethnic and gender groups that are under represented in engineering career fields.  Founded in 1980 as a part of the non-profit Colorado Minorities Engineering Association (CMEA), MESA's mission is to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged and at risk students who graduate from high school fully prepared for post secondary education in math- and science-based fields. 

 

MESA model works!

MESA after-school programs engage students in hands-on inquiry based projects such as designing mousetrap-powered vehicles, wind turbines, and robots.  MESA advisors, usually math/science teachers along with university student mentors and practicing engineers, help students discover relevant math/science principles necessary to achieve success with their project.  Local, state, and national engineering-based competitions provide additional motivation to keep students involved.

 

The state MESA office at the University of Colorado Denver provides advisor training, program materials, and academic resources.  MESA Centers at CU and CSU in provide stimulating project-based curriculum, career speakers, and roles models.  Field trips to business sites, colleges, science fairs, and engineering-based competitions excite students about career opportunities.  Parents are critical supporters.

 

MESA in Colorado.

MESA works with 156 schools in 24 school districts throughout the state in collaboration with eight universities/colleges.  Michele Towers, MESA Center Director at CU-Boulder (michele.towers@cudenver.edu), supports Boulder, Jefferson, Denver and Arapahoe counties.  The CSU Center in Fort Collins oversees northern Colorado including Larimer, Weld, and Adams counties.

 

While MESA has taken root in Longmont and other Weld County communities, more schools can participate. For example, programs exist at Angevine Middle in Boulder, Centaurus High in Lafayette, and Broomfield High.  Boulder County needs champions to start more programs.

 

How Businesses Benefit and Are Involved.

Companies are looking to hire a qualified high-tech workforce. Matthew Smith, an executive from United Launch Alliance (www.ulalaunch.com) a MESA sponsor, said, "The average age of the United Launch Alliance workforce today is 47. As more of our workers retire over the next 10 years, we need qualified graduates.  That is why we sponsor MESA."

 

Colorado MESA currently receives no state funding.  Support comes from community and corporate organizations such as The Denver Foundation, Lockheed Martin, The Daniels Fund, Xcel Energy, Ball Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, and others. 

 

MESA Delivers Results. 

At a time when Colorado needs a highly-skilled, technical workforce, MESA allows qualified students to enter the workforce pipeline and it does it for under $125 per student per year.

 

100% of MESA seniors graduate from high school and historically, more than 90% have enrolled in college with over 80% enrolling in a math/science related major.  Approximately 85% of MESA students are from families in the low-to-moderate income bracket.  Approximately 50% are from ethnic groups underrepresented in math-based careers. 

 

“Every experience and memory I got from the MESA club will always live with me.  I owe a lot to the MESA club, because without it, I would never had these incredible experiences,” says Ernesto Chairez, graduate from Career Education Center in Longmont, attending CU- Boulder in the Fall 2009 majoring in Aerospace Engineering. 

 

How You Can Get Involved?

·     Help the kids in your life learn to love mathematics and science.

·     Ask your schools to sponsor a MESA program. 

·     Volunteer, make a donation, become a sponsor, create an internship or scholarship. 

·     Become a sponsor or volunteer for the October 15-16 MESA Fall Fling at CSU-Fort Collins.  Around 250 MESA high school students will taste university life, gain valuable academic, financial aid, and career information, and participate in Boat Building and Wind Energy engineering competitions. Learn more at www.cMESA.org.

 

Do you have MESA in your business or life?  Like David Davenport, who continues to champion multicultural engineering programs, support MESA and help build a stronger high-tech workforce.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

 

Copyright © 2009 Theresa M. Szczurek. All Rights Reserved.

WHAT CAN YOU ANDYOUR TEAM LEARN FROM A BEE?

At the end of the last school year, my daughter came home with a summer reading list for young adults.  It has valuable information for all of us.  It is especially helpful for me since once of my goals this year is to read at least one fiction book per month – yes, fiction, not only non-fiction business books. 

 

What a fun journey this has become – reading The DaVinci Code, Chocolat, Secret Life of Bees, and many more.  And, it has been a way to connect with my 13-year-old on a different level and learn valuable lessons about life.  Each of us reads the book and then when available we watch the movie. Then I like to analyze and talk about the message and experience, although Annie, unfortunately, is less interested in that part.

 

Last night we watched Secret Life of Bees.  Bees hold valuable wisdom useful in work and life.  No, it is not only that they are headed by a Queen.  They work as a team toward a common goal each innately knowing his/her part in pursuing the passionate purpose—the end result from their superb performance is sweet.  August, the matriarch beekeeper, shares with 14-year-old Lily, who is on a quest to get to know herself and her mother, “Send the bees love.” 

 

What would the impact on our business and family be if we send each other love while we look out for a greater good?  It would produce real rewards.  Too often, rather than pursue a noble purpose, we individually get lost in doing, achieving, or protecting our own turf while putting others down.  Instead, as August recommends, let’s try to “Lift each other to a higher level with love.”  Consider all the energy, currently wasted in friction and conflict, which could be redirected toward real results. 

 

In life, there is a symbiotic relationship between the bees and the flowers.  Again, we can learn a lot from Mother Nature.  Passionate Pursuers, those people who successfully find and pursue meaningful intentions, are like sunflowers who possess the SUNFLOWER traits (see Ch. 3 of Pursuit of Passionate Purpose).    

 

Practical Pointers:

• Act like a bee.  Work as a team toward a common goal with love.  Find better performance.
• Get clear on what real purpose you are pursuing.
• Lift each other to a higher level.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

 

 

 

WHERE IS YOUR ENERGY SOURCE FOR PERFORMANCE?

Meditating this morning, I was chilly until the big, beautiful ball of energy--the sun--rose.  It brought warmth, encouragement, and hope for making today another day of opportunity.

Energy, the E in the SUNFLOWER traits of successful passionate pursuers as described on page 52 of Pursuit of Passionate Purpose, is the capacity to do work.  Some people have more and attract more of this capacity than others.  They have a strong work ethic, which Venture Capitalist Brad Feld today talked about in his blog "Feld Thoughts" as a desirable characteristic.  Additionally, they can produce real results from their efforts.

What word do people use to describe you? The one-word description people most often use for me is 'energetic.'

How can you have more energy?  There are simple ways to increase your energy level.  David Hawkins, MD, PhD explains in Power vs. Force:  The Determinants of Human Behavior that energy levels can be calibrated into a map of consciousness.  Low energy levels manifest as shame, guilt, grief, and fear.  Courage, acceptance, love, and enlightenment align with high energy levels.  No wonder we are attracted to people with high levels of energy. Positive jumps in energy are possible through intention, will, choice, and motivation.  Many spiritual disciplines of the world are interested in approaches to ascend these levels.  Meditation is one such useful technique.

Practical Pointers:

• Set the intention to increase your energy level.
• Be motivated to discover what helps and what does not help.
• Make the choice to surround yourself with energizers and to leave hindrances behind.
• Use your will to focus on approaches which help you ascend energy levels.  Do you have a regular meditation practice?  Why not?

Energy is a key element to improving business and live performance. Build your energy.

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

T & A: THE NEW WORK ATTIRE STANDARD? NO THANKS!

Remember the catchy, albeit raunchy, song about "Ti_s and As_" from the musical Chorus Line.  It seems to have helped set a new standard in unprofessional attire for some workers.

Recently I was interviewing a college student for a possible internship with my consulting firm.  She arrived in a revealing low-cut tank top with bra straps and much more hanging out, tight shorts, and flip flops.  This was shocking and distracting.  Needless to say, she did not get the position. 

Unfortunately this situation is not uncommon. Last night I picked up will-call tickets for a concert.  The young woman working in the ticket box office wore a strapless top without a bra which she repeatedly had to pull up so it did not fall down.   On stage, the male orchestra performers wore a relaxed summer attire without ties or jackets.  They looked professional with long-sleeve white shirts that were buttoned up and tucked in their slacks.  A few of the female performers however did not uphold this standard -- for example, every time one female violinist leaned forward to turn the music, her entire back end hung out.  Here was the 'plumber's butt' syndrome on stage -- ugh! It was clearly distracting her and the audience. Other parts of that same organization had set a reasonable standard -- ushers regardless of gender, for example, were dressed quite appropriately with non-revealing white blouses/shirts and black pants. These ushers appeared to be more mature and perhaps had learned from experience. Why is there such inconsistency?

Men are not immune to this syndrome of unprofessional attire and should be equally aware of the importance of portraying a professional image.

Organizations had not set, communicated, or upheld a consistent and professional standard for work attire. Such businesses are doing a disservice to their customers, employees, and their own image.  Employees are not as productive in such >settings.  Customers get a poor impression of your business.

It begs the question -- What are parents, schools, businesses, and the fashion industry teaching people about professional appearance.  What kind of judgment (or lack thereof) do employees and employers have?  It appears that the offenders don't even realize they are doing something inappropriate.

Practical Pointers for Employees.

• Choose modesty over revealing clothes, not only for an interview but also for work.

• Become aware.  Look at what people in positions you aspire to attain are wearing -- what is appropriate and what is not? Identify a role model after which you can model your attire.

• When in doubt on the appropriate nature of some outfit, get an opinion from a teacher, parent, or another respected person in the community.

• Take a course.  Alice Swanson offers a workshop called "Learn to Earn" which is designed to help students make the transition from college to career (www.learntoearnworkshops.com). Alice states, "I DRILL professional attire into my students. I dress professionally every day that I teach so they can see what is appropriate."

Practical Pointers for Employers.

• Set a written standard for professional attire in your work environment.  Be specific so that it is very clear.  Ensure there is no double standard -- insist that both women and men dress professionally.

• Communicate your standard on an ongoing basis.  Share it during orientation sessions.  Have your managers be role models. 

• Uphold your standard.  Send people home and dock their pay, if they do not meet the standard.  Include professional image in performance reviews. Do not accept less.

Together we can move beyond T&A as accepted work attire. Take on the pursuit of professional image as part of your passionate purpose.   The result will be better business and career performance.

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

A NEW QUARTER and HOW ARE YOU?

Q209 is gone.  Was it all that you planned for it to be?  You do have a plan right? 

• If so, now is the time to review your plan, assess progress, set your Q3 plan, and pursue it. 
• If not, make sure you create a Q3 plan NOW.  Check out great tips at:  http://www.tmsworld.com/publicity/ColoradoBiz033109.html .

 

Don’t be like Alice in Wonderland.  You remember when Alice met the Cheshire Cat in the tree and asked, "Which road should I take?"  The Cat asked her, "Well it depends a great deal on what you want to go."  Alice said, "I don't much care where."  Then the Cat said, "Then it doesn't matter.  If you don't know where you are going any road will take you there." 

 

Take my Girl Scout troop of 8^th grade girls, for example.  They love to go camping and at first did not like to plan to get there. Now they realize that if they don’t plan, either we don’t go or they don’t get what they want.  Planning actually saves them time and energy – it delivers the fun. 

 

Case Study.  Consider Rare Space, Inc. (www.RareSpace.com), a tenant advisory services firm that promotes client success by solving and delivering solutions to their commercial real estate needs.  They realized that taking their plan and practices to the level would help them grow.  TMS conducted a company and sales force assessment and planned, designed, facilitated, and documented Rare Space’s strategic planning / execution process.  

 

“As a result of the time we spent with Technology and Management Solutions and the client interviews TMS conducted, we learned a lot,” stated Tom Grotewold, Founder and CEO at Rare Space.  “We now have a one-page strategic business plan that our firm actually uses.  We understand why our clients like working with us, and we win more business because we know what our strengths are and what is important to creating happy clients.  We meet once a week, and also briefly once a day.  These meetings actually solve problems, keep the communications flowing and allow us to reinforce our company core competencies, values and beliefs.  We hope these benefits are just the beginning, because we now have the tools and methods we need for even greater success.”

 

This approach works for individuals and families as well as for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations.  Try it, you will like it!

 

Practical Pointers for Q3 planning taken from Pursuit of Passionate Purpose (www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com):

• Assess Progress.  How are things going?  Ask yourself the tough questions. Be honest. Many companies report that sales are down, closing times are up, and their pipeline is not big enough to make up for it.  This is the perfect time to do a sales assessment.  Start by taking the free sales grader: http://www.objectivemanagement.com/free_salesforce_grader.asp?DistNum=252  Then Next get some help and do a comprehensive evaluation – you will learn what to do to strengthen your sales results.

• Find Passion.  Reaffirm your values and core competencies.  In the intersection, you and your firm define its passion.  Passion is the fuel for the pursuit.
• Align Passion with Purpose.  What is your purpose?  Where do you want to be in 10 to 25 years – do you have a vision?  Who are you serving? 
• Pursue Purpose.  This is where you establish your 3 to 5 year, 1 year, and Q3 goals.  What do you need to do over the next 13 weeks so that you will be where you want by the end of the year?  Establish clear metrics – what are the key performance indicators of progress?  Take the plan down to what you need to do each day.  For example, for sales determine how many call attempts, conversations, appointments, and meetings are needed to get to your revenue goal. Make sure your plan is written down and visibly displayed.  Establish a rhythm of communication – have a daily huddle with your team. Check in on it at least weekly, monthly, and quarterly -- track your metrics. 

 

The worst of times? The best of times?  Which are these?  It is your choice.  It depends on your plan and how well you are doing in pursuing it.  Allow yourself to BELIEVE that everything is possible. And then ACT on your pursuit!

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

WHERE IS YOUR MESA?

WOW!  Today while participating in the MESA awards breakfast in Denver, I saw encouragement for "Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement" among middle schoolers and high schoolers from across the country. MESA, www.cMESA.org, brought these kids, mostly minority and female teens, together with a meaningful purpose. This is what our country needs -- a young generation prepared to pursue a passionate purpose of innovation creation. Education is the answer. Here's how and why you can support this effort. 

I think back on my own experience in high school -- what a program like MESA would have done for me and many other students.  Even though I loved math and science there was no practical forum to put these skills to use to solve real world problems and to learn about career options. There was no one to encourage me to pursue a career in engineering. Not knowing exactly what I would do with it, I did pursue a degree in Mathematics.  Good fortune and a connection through a friend brought me to my first job out of college as a Member of Technical Staff with Bell Telephone Laboratories. This changed my life.  What more people need are MESAs -- programs which encourage you to reach your potential.

Companies are looking to hire qualified engineers. Matthew Smith, an executive from United Launch Alliance (www.ulalaunch.com) one of MESA's sponsors said, "The average age of the United Launch Alliance workforce today is 47. As more of our workers retire over the next 10 years, we need more qualified graduates.  That is why we sponsor MESA."

The program is designed to encourage minority and female students to prepare themselves for a college education and to major in mathematics, engineering or science.  MESA's mission is to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged and at risk students who graduate from high school fully prepared for post secondary education in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, business, and other math- and science-based fields.

What are you doing to help others to get educated in math, engineering and science?  Here are some PRACTICAL POINTERS on you can do:

• Help the kids in your life learn to love mathematics. Encourage them. Show them that math and science are fun.
• Ask your middle and high schools to sponsor a MESA program.  If your state does not have MESA, ask why not?
• Volunteer, make a donation, become a sponsor, or create an internship.  Learn more at www.cMESA.org.

Did you or do you have MESA in your life?  Help create one today so you and others can successfully pursue passionate purpose.

Theresa Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)