In a business environment that is constantly evolving, the adage "Data, Data, Data" has emerged as the contemporary equivalent of "Location, Location, Location." Prior to the dot-com boom in the late 1990's and early 2000's location was one of the most critical elements to a business's success and with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic location has become even less relevant. In today's interconnected world, where manufacturing and outsourced services are readily accessible, all you need is an idea and a laptop and you are off to the races.
Against this backdrop, the question arises: How can one make strides in business without established data? The answer is straightforward: Start!
Consider the historical anecdote from World War II: faced with formidable challenges in rural northern France, Sergeant Lewis G Culin Jr, a tank commander, identified that the terrain prevented his unit from being able to navigate over large mounds of earthen dirt, designed to irrigate crops, without dangerously exposing their tanks. This vulnerability led SGT Culin to devise a simple solution, weld metal plates in the shape of a plow to the front of his tank. His innovative approach, involving the creation and deployment of cutting metal sheets and welding them to the front of his tank, not only addressed a pressing issue but led to 60% of Sherman Tanks in Northern France to be outfitted with plows while also revolutionizing tank warfare tactics. This tale underscores the essence of initiating action, experimentation, and adaptation in the pursuit of progress.
But you might wonder, "What does this have to do with my business endeavors?" The analogy is clear: like Sergeant Culin, who took the initiative to solve a problem, entrepreneurs must embark on their journey of improvement through action and experimentation. While sophisticated tools exist to streamline processes, their efficacy remains untapped without the crucial first step: initiation.
Operational Excellence isn't about achieving perfection from the outset; rather, it's a continuous journey of enhancement and adaptation. The cornerstone of this journey lies in taking that initial step. Without experimentation, genuine feedback remains elusive, hindering the identification of core issues and impeding progress towards greater efficiency and excellence.