The Business IDEA
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The Business IDEA
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The recent movie, Ford v Ferrari, shined a spotlight on the innovations brought about by competition between American and European car companies (also chronicled in the documentary, The 24 Hour War). But do you know the real extent of how these historical innovations impact not just the car industry, but well beyond today? This article provides insights on the critical developments brought about for companies and consumers alike by Ford, Toyota, and Mercedes Benz.
Three car companies instantly come to mind when you think about how the auto industry has changed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Read on to find out more about these historical innovations. FordAccording to Autodesk, Ford revolutionized the way that cars were manufactured on assembly lines. When the Ford Motor Company was able to reduce the time that it took workers to build a car from over 13 hours to under 45 minutes, cars became affordable to almost everyone. In Ford's early years, the company also managed to cut the number of parts required to build a car to 45. Ford also was one of the first to use slides and trolleys so that parts were precisely where they needed to be for workers to use them efficiently. By breaking down the process of building a car into steps, Ford changed the way that cars were built everywhere. ToyotaToyota revolutionized the industry by coming up with Just in Time manufacturing, which is often called the Toyota Process. The principle behind Just in Time manufacturing is making only what is needed, in the amount that it is required and at the time that it is needed. Toyota, however, was not content to stop there. The company developed a system that purposefully always looks for ways to improve their process. They also implemented the Five Whys Process. The process starts by asking the question of why at least five times. The result is a process that avoids problems and can create solutions. By asking five why questions, mistakes in thinking are often eliminated. These processes have helped to fuel the company's innovation, as seen in its wide range of models. According to Santa Monica Motors, Toyota now has over 70 different models listed under its namesake brand. Mercedes BenzMercedes Benz traces its company history back to the first practical automobile that was built by Karl Benz. More recently, however, it is credited with developing multi-skilled teams, according to Auto Design & Production. The advantage of this approach is that people with different areas of expertise get involved with the car’s design, production and evaluation. Therefore, Just in Time principles often reserved for assembly lines can be built into the process from day one. Application of the Mercedes Benz principle also allows more models to be constructed using the same parts. These three car manufacturers have revolutionized the way that cars are manufactured. You can take their principles and apply them to your manufacturing facilities. If you are a shopper looking for a new car, then you can be thankful for these manufacturing principles as they allow you to have a new vehicle at a lower price. Here’s another article you might like: The hottest accessory-friendly vehicles on the road
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The business world sometimes appears full of automatons. Working like a robot has the benefits of keeping an employee away from controversy, but the approach won't help someone wishing to get ahead. Standing out positively often leads people to success. How can you stand out under the bright light of excellence? Here are three ways traits that will help you to do just that.
Originality Innovators and originators can achieve more than copycats. Small Business Trends explains that a business professional who brings something new and exciting to the table could create a trend that reaps incredible profits. Look at Tony Hawk, the skateboarding entrepreneur. Skateboarding remained a popular subculture for decades and spawned many cottage industries. Hawk, however, took things in a new direction and devised a billion-dollar skateboarding empire. That said, originators will always deal with detractors. Great new ideas regularly face rejection. Radical and revolutionary ideas upset people stuck in a comfort zone. If you believe in your plans, don't let naysayers discourage you. Be flexible enough to withstand constructive criticism, and keep going forward to promote your ideas. Integrity Sadly, integrity isn't always the most common trait among people in the business world. So, someone with integrity garners attention. Honest workers and managers are an asset to a company and the entire business world. The idea of the corporate whistleblower typifies integrity. Meissner Associates says that finding out that the business you work for is engaging in fraudulent activity can put you in a tough position to decide if you should expose their wrongdoing, or do you remain silent. People with integrity usually make the right decision regarding whistleblowing. Let the image of the whistleblower be your guide. Selflessness The stereotype of business professionals focusing only on making money and selfish pursuits isn't always accurate. Unfortunately, many professionals do become self-absorbed and greedy. Would Bill Gates fall under that description? Microsoft's leader spent countless hours raising and donating money for charitable causes. While the average worker can't match Gates' monetary contributions, they can match his passion and attitude. Even doing "little things" for others could paint a tremendously positive picture of you. The London Business School recommends that you allow your standing in the business community act as a way of doing good things. Explore philanthropical endeavors, and don't always focus on personal gain. Others will notice your selflessness. Ironically, you may experience career success by putting others' needs ahead of your own. Success in the business world requires that you appear unique. Embracing endearing traits helps with this goal. Each individual has a set of personality strengths. Play to your strengths, and create the best quality work you can produce. Standing out requires more than fits and spurts of effort; apply yourself consistently in the workplace, and you will see good results. Want to learn more ways to make your business stand out and thrive? Check out more content like this from our Video Ideas for a Better Business Life!
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Attention to detail, or lack thereof, is a crucial component in making or breaking a business. Consequently, the level of detail-orientation of your employees plays an important role in the success and longevity of your company. There are measures that can be taken to enhance and improve employee attention to detail throughout your organization.
Hire Accordingly If you want to increase the level of attention to detail in your organization, one of the best places to start is at the foundation. When hiring new employees, make sure to ask them about their ability to notice the little things, and test them on this if possible — a lot of people list “attentive to detail” or “detail-oriented” on their resumes and in their interviews without actually having this skill. Candidates with the Analyzer/Logical personality type are naturally exacting, make excellent troubleshooters, and are more likely to double- or triple-check their work before handing it in. However, keep in mind that these personalities may perform poorly in high-pressure environments. Training Training employees about the importance of attention to detail is the first step to achieving the desired milestones and goals set for your business. Moreover, the aspects of your business in which more thorough attention is needed should be specifically outlined to the appropriate employees with training tailored to their unique business needs and contributions. Setting the right expectations upfront encourages workers to pay attention to the small details each and every time. A training program can be set up accordingly by utilizing a work plan or task checklist with emphasis on areas such as employee and client relations, fiscal benchmarks, and data and operational accuracy for example. Training should be customized in a way that makes the most sense for your company’s business goals. Track Employee Progress Tracking employee progress and providing actionable feedback is pivotal to the growth of your workforce. In addition, it helps to build trust and motivate your employees to continually improve and strive for strong results in regards to attention to detail. Furthermore, facilitating feedback can lead to improved communication and effective completion of work tasks. When employees are tuned in to how their position ties in and relates to company goals, the potential for costly mistakes and errors are greatly reduced. By following the three steps outlined above, your organization and employees will be on an empowered path to contribute quality work as a direct result of increased attention to detail. A few small changes can prove to be both beneficial in building up your company and hardworking personnel alike. Liked this article? Read this one next: How to Make Employee Engagement a Daily Habit
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