What is your Super Bowl?

Hustle by Doc McIntyre

“Do whatever it takes to get the job done” is a great attitude. Until it makes you sloppy and wears you out.

Too often hustle masks inefficiency.

Don’t just put your head down and grind. Carve out time to question the way you do things and look for a better way.

Hustle goes a long way. But hustle plus smooth goes even further.

In the words of my wise friend Jay,

Sometimes you need to slow down to go faster.

What is your Super Bowl?

As I speak with business leaders and professionals, I notice a recurring theme across all sectors. It seems we all struggle with a common question, much like the age-old query, “Why are we here?” But in business, we can't afford to ponder aimlessly. Instead, we need to focus our mental energies on questions that drive us forward and benefit everyone around us. One critical question that can yield significant benefits when answered is:

Why are we here?

Imagine asking this question to 10% of your colleagues in an organization of 500 people. Would their answers be consistent, or would they vary widely? This question is crucial because it provides employees with a sense of identity and value within the organization. We all need to feel part of something bigger than ourselves, which drives us to work harder, succeed, and feel appreciated, thus deepening our connection to our workplace.

Consider the NFL, where every team’s goal is to win the Super Bowl. For some teams, this is part of a long-term plan; for others, it’s an immediate expectation. Regardless, the goal is clear: win the Super Bowl. This clarity means everyone in the organization understands and works towards this common goal, creating strong alignment.

If you asked 10% of the Indianapolis Colts or New England Patriots staff at the start of the season about their goal, you'd likely get a consistent answer. Now, try this exercise with your organization. What responses would you get? Conduct a survey or ask informally to understand your colleagues’ perspectives.

If the answers aren’t consistent, dig deeper. Ask yourselves and your team, “Why are we here?” Pursue this question until you have a clear, shared understanding. Start with a guiding question: “What is our Super Bowl?”

By achieving clarity on this fundamental question, you align your team’s efforts, fostering a stronger, more connected, and more motivated organization.

Lean Manufacturing Tip of the Week:

Implement the 5S System:

Start by organizing your workspace with the 5S system: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. This method helps eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and create a safer work environment. Regularly audit your workspace to ensure these practices are maintained and encourage your team to participate actively. A clean and organized workspace boosts productivity and morale.

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Tori Thomas to the position of Marketing Manager!

Since joining our team, Tori has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, taking ownership of processes, systems, and execution in a way that has significantly contributed to our success. Her dedication, creativity, and strategic thinking have made a profound impact. We are excited to see her bring the same energy and excellence to her new role. Whether she is working with vendors, finding new technology, or launching a newsletter, Tori puts her best efforts into everything she does. She demonstrates our core values daily, and most importantly, her “give a sh!t” level is off the charts!

We are grateful for her efforts and service, and we are a better organization because Tori is on the team. Please join us in congratulating Tori on this well-deserved promotion. We are confident that she will continue to drive innovation and lead our marketing efforts to new heights.

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