Don’t hold back.
In volatile times, consistency and continuity provide a sanctuary, valued by consumers, suppliers and associates. Avoid the temptation to seek a safe harbour. Stay in the race.
Both attributes, consistency and continuity, are magnets that attract attention, interest, demand, revenue, and enhance reputations. An absence of ebbs and flows simplifies decision making, sidelines risk intolerance and contributes to prioritised ratings, rankings and standings.
A STEADY HAND
Striving for, achieving, and sustaining stability is an art form. The many moving parts necessitate attention, focus, discipline, and the leadership of an informed, disciplined, and enthusiastic team.
Some of the key mantras of Warren Buffet, the Oracle of Omaha, seem to be applicable and appropriate:
When others are pessimistic, be positive.
When others panic, be confident.
When others retreat, advance.
An underlying contention is that the absolute “size of the cake” does not shrink in the longer term. Any contraction is relative. Market share distribution varies, to the advantage of the positive and the opportunistic.
A steady hand guiding towards a determined purpose is reassuring, meaningful, and valued by all internal and external stakeholders.
Don’t get ahead of yourself, but never allow yourself to get behind the pack. It can be very crowded, and the pathway to a positive future can be cluttered.
HANDS ON
There is often a fine line between hands-on management and micro-management. In the contemporary marketplace, it is important to recognise and respect that business owners and leaders cannot always do it all themselves.
Individuals’ skills, expertise, training, and overall capabilities need to be valued and adroitly applied. Delegated authorities should be maintained where possible or refined. Leveraging those assets typically contributes to and accelerates productivity. They, too, need to be nurtured towards consistency and continuity, where possible, by conspicuous, accessible, and communicative actions.
CONSENSUS
Volatility and dynamism do not readily foster consensus. However, they do provide platforms for ongoing and meaningful conversations. Foremost is the need to agree on an outcome.
Consistency and continuity are good starting points—and finishing points—on the path to optimal momentum.
By Barry Urquhart – Consumer and Retail Analyst | Marketing Focus
BIO:
Barry Urquhart is a highly regarded market research and strategic planning consultant, recognised throughout Australasia for his insight, clarity, and thought leadership. A seasoned keynote speaker at premier conferences, Barry is also the acclaimed author of Serves You Right! And Service Please!, two of the region’s top-selling titles on customer service excellence.
Respected as a trusted voice in business strategy, Barry continues to lead influential workshops and development programs that help organisations drive sustainable growth, elevate service culture, and achieve competitive distinction.
For Media Enquiries or Speaking Engagements:
Email: [email protected]
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