Chill by Doc McIntyre
I was talking recently with a group of professionals who get very anxious when they have to speak in public.
And they told me that great public speakers and entertainers have less anxiety than they do.
And I gently broke it to them that they were dead wrong. Great public speakers and entertainers still have anxiety, but they’ve learned to manage it and soldier on.
Don’t block your own growth by thinking you don’t have what it takes, because you do.
Don’t beat yourself up by imagining that others are more together than you are, because they aren’t.
Everybody’s got their struggles and insecurities, no matter how chill they look on the outside or on Facebook.
And remember the wise words of Teddy Roosevelt:
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Vendor Selection: A Make or Break Decision
When it comes to building a world-class operation, there’s one area that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: vendor selection. We often talk about leadership, Lean principles, and optimizing the internal workings of an organization, but choosing the right vendor is equally as critical to success. The truth is, your vendors aren't just suppliers – they’re partners in your mission to deliver top-tier products and services.
In Lean Manufacturing, we know that waste reduction is a core principle. But waste doesn’t just happen on your shop floor; it happens when you choose the wrong vendor who can’t deliver on time or with the quality you need. It leads to rework, missed deadlines, and customer dissatisfaction. That’s why the first step to building a kick-ass culture isn’t just about internal systems – it’s about who you let into your ecosystem.
When selecting a vendor, it’s crucial to focus on more than just price. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen companies go with the cheapest option, only to find out that “cheap” ends up being very expensive in the long run. You’ve got to dig deeper. Ask yourself: Do they share your values? Do they understand Lean? Will they push you to be better or drag you down?
This isn’t about nitpicking every little detail, but about making intentional, strategic decisions that support your long-term goals. You should vet your vendors with the same level of scrutiny as you would an internal hire. Can they innovate alongside you? Are they responsive when things go wrong? Do they treat your success as their success?
At the end of the day, a bad vendor can cripple your supply chain and wreak havoc on your operations. On the flip side, a strong vendor partnership can elevate your performance, help you eliminate waste, and streamline your production process.
Building a kick-ass culture isn’t just about what happens inside your four walls – it’s about the partnerships you forge outside of them. Choose wisely.
I had an amazing week in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay for the International Fasteners Show, where I had the honor of delivering the keynote speech. I'm incredibly grateful for all the great feedback and for everyone who took the time to attend. It was an unforgettable experience, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with so many passionate industry leaders.
—Beau Groover
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