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How Do You Put It Together?
April 2, 2013
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"My boys just never go there anymore!" It was the kind of statement from my friend Francie that would have seemed impossible not too many years ago. We were having a conversation about a recent article she had read about McDonald's and the struggles the company is having in attracting the younger "Millennial" generation.
Each day, these men and women are passing by the golden arches now to visit other chains like In n'Out, Subway and Chipotle where they can help customize what they want to eat, instead of simply choosing one of something on a select menu that is done in only one way.
And McDonald's is not alone.
Many companies that were/are built around the industrial "assembly line" model are quickly discovering that the Henry Ford, "you can have any color you want, as long as it's black" philosophy is shifting completely because of a more connected and empowered world.
The brands and people that are thriving in this environment understand that simply solving a problem or creating a solution and distributing/marketing it to the most people is no longer enough.
There is a greater depth needed and that begins with a powerful mission first. One that clearly defines and articulates the passion of why you exist in the first place.
Then, you give it a purpose in solving a problem or creating a solution for others -- but one that is built around the network of people (not an assembly line) to collaborate, co-create, interact and empower them in the right moment, on the right medium at the right time.
It's bottom up ... no longer top down.
The new approach goes beyond simply looking for success in action and results (where most companies focus) -- it builds a foundation on belief and experience as the real measurement of achievement.
It's why companies like In n' Out, Subway and Chipotle are successful. They focus on the experience-based results of each customer around the passion of what they do best.
Where do you stand?
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