YORKSHIRE Business Insider magazine recently invited me to be a member of their Breakfast Panel focusing on Leadership.
Having spent the last 25 years getting on with the job of running HpE Process Ltd talking about how we have achieved or silver anniversary made me take stock.
There have been three key issues that I have faced during that time.
Financial – Whatever else I have had to tackle keeping a close eye on the money has been critical to our success. Having weathered three recessions which all seem to have been deeper and tougher than the last it is clear that selling on price is a formula for disaster.
HpE Process Ltd customers want to mitigate downtime and reduce costs without sacrificing hygiene standards in areas under constant scrutiny. We have to make sure we can do that to tight deadlines. We have built a successful business on that premise. Cost is important but it isn’t the only factor in leading a successful organisation.
Communication when things are good and bad is integral to the success of any organisation. At all times I have worked hard to let the team know of what I am thinking to grow, and develop the business. We have regular meetings about key issues, and I share an office so they know about all my conversations with customers and suppliers and are aware of decisions I have to take about HpE Process Ltd.
Succession Planning is vital to develop the team and ensure that when I am not there it runs as smoothly as possible. In recent years I have appointed other directors to take decision making roles in specific areas trusting their ability gained while working in HpE Process Ltd. Succession planning also builds a strong team who are loyal and committed rather than creates an environment where you have a high staff turnover of de motivated personnel wondering if they will ever get career development.
It all goes back to good communications and keeping a close eye on the financials to give you a successful three way approach to good leadership and a winning formula to stay in business for another 25 years.