ONE LIFE TO LIVE

We do not have a work life and a personal life. We have one life. The same is true for all our friends, loved ones, and business partners.

If any of you drive to work with less than joy in your heart, you may be in the wrong profession, or the wrong company. All employees in your company should feel the same way. If they don't, how could they possibly give their best? How could you?

"Work" is not synonymous with drudgery. It is about increasing value. It is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. It is the basis for improving the standard of living for all. If it involves a pit in the stomach, something is very wrong.

Businesses go through ups and downs, but that doesn't mean their environments should as well. If sales are down, moping won't increase them. If sales are strong, jumping for joy won't make them continue.

Here are three questions for you to consider every evening:

1. Did I do my best today to ensure my happiness, and that of my family?
2. Did I do my best today to operate an ethical, profitable business?
3. Did I do my best today to help all business partners reach their potential?

If you don't like those 3, pick others. The point is to consider what is most important to you in living your one life. Each evening, assess how well you've done that day. You won't always deserve a 10, but a string of days at less than a 5 may mean it's time to refocus.

After all, we only have one life. We might as well live it well.

Why an Operations Strategy?

The Starting Pistol

Sam Walton:
"Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.”

The Tape

Rebecca Morgan:
"Confident caring, not arrogant indifference, creates a better future for all."

April 19–20, 2016: Akron, OH: This two day AME workshop presented by Goodyear, "Lean Product Development: From Idea to Profitable Product," demonstrates how that international business dramatically improved both the speed and success of converting ideas into profitable products. Goodyear executive Norbert Majerus will lead the workshop as we examine Lean Product Development processes and make the "fuzzy front end" crystal clear.

May 3–5, 2016: Rosemont, IL: The Industry Week Best Plants Conference is now the Manufacturing and Technology Conference. This two day event continues to offer keynotes, plant visits, and insights from leaders in the manufacturing industry, along with increased focus on technology advances of importance.

May 11–12, 13, 2016: Chicago, IL: There is one verified Lean certification, and this is it. Developed and managed by AME, SME, ASQC and Shingo this 2-day course reviews the basics of tactical lean before offering the Bronze-level test (separate registration) the following day. This is one way to tell the talkers from the doers!

June 16–17, 2016: Chicago, IL: This APICS and Institute of Business Forecasting and Planning 2-day mini-conference focuses on optimizing your S&OP process. Whether your questions are basic, or how to extend S&OP to your entire supply chain, this is the conference to get them answered.