Surely you must have thought how some of the biggest companies out became so successful that they have a global impact and are a part of our everyday lives? Take a close, hard look at some of the most popular coffee restaurants, pizza parlors, and other popular service-oriented establishments whose names have become household bywords.
Could it be that the key word is service? A central view of customer service could be the answer? The book ‘A Sense of Urgency‘ by John Kotter provides an interesting view to answering those questions you have always had about what really makes companies successful, or the opposite, like why some of the biggest businesses in the world failed.
In this book, Kotter, well-known for this bestsellers in the field of management, has presented an eye-opening look at the vital pieces that make up typical businesses in the service sector today.
Kotter has said that the most important element is making sure that customers’ requirements are in fact met, and to not be complacent about this even though it is not difficult to do so. Kotter’s book ‘A Sense of Urgency’ shows us how important it is to uphold that connection with customers, or respond to changes in the marketplace and business arena, so that you can always remain focused at the best you can be. Developing a true sense of urgency, Kotter expressed, connotes being aware of the common organizational pitfall of doing so many things that create stress without really adding immense value to the organization.
New light has been shed on some of the simpler topics concerning the business arena in ‘A Sense of Urgency’. Working with a sense of urgency deems more than simply doing something that has been done before, as any differences in what business leaders have need to be removed in order to focus on improving a sense of urgency as a whole, according to Kotter.
Overall, the book centers on what is needed to develop the perfect balance of urgency in a business.
In much the same way that a true sense of urgency, which is often aligned with a company’s core values, is instilled by most modern-day firms in their workforce, Kotter imparted to readers of his book that keeping constructive urgency at the forefront of day-to-day thinking and service to customers negates complacency. Positive progression does not come without the right preparation. It is the frontline staff that have to deal with other stresses of the job, such as taking the heat for the company from customer interactions, so it is not as easy as you may have first thought. Yet it must be stressed that it lies a great deal on a clear, credible and inspiring organizational purpose, along with a leader who shows conviction, confidence, and a highly visible sense of urgency, to positively influence to take on the cudgel for their company, and effect a real and meaningful change towards real growth & progress. It can really make a difference if a business has the right person or team to lead it, and with refined leadership, this will help in removing the complacent attitude that can grow within a business. That’s one of the key messages in John Kotter’s book, and out in the real world, it makes a lot of sense.John Kotter’s book provides some important messages that can have a real-world impact.