So, I was walking into Starbucks yesterday morning, and the thought that came to mind, is one that often visits....
"HOW AM I UNIQUE?"
As my son is heavily involved with "Blue Ocean Strategy" and having just had a long conversation the night before with a vendor/friend who was searching for his strategy, I am always thinking about how we differentiate ourselves from the rest of the world as companies and as people.
It's a scary thought...
What if I bring nothing unique?
What if I am not smart enough to bring something truly valuable?
What if I am not insightful enough to figure it out?
I am fairly convinced that the level to which we understand and embrace our uniqueness is the level to which we "succeed". Now that may be financial success, that may be personal success, or hopefully that can be both.
I wonder sometimes if this concept of harmony is a unique interpretation or not?
I think it is differentiated, but not necessarily unique.
I wonder sometimes if this concept of harmony can or should be monetized?
I am reluctant to monetize it, as I think it inherently loses some of its integrity, and yet, I believe providing value for a profit is the ultimate kind of integrity.
It confuses me.
We have made great strides at our company of trying to understand where we bring unique value, and it is hard to walk away from areas where our value may be small but momentum has already grabbed some turf.
As leaders or members of companies, I think its the most relevant conversation you can have, and THE MOST important strategic conversation that you can have...
HOW DO WE UNIQUELY ADD VALUE?
How can we increase our value to the client while decreasing costs and driving efficiency?
That is the question that should be burning in leaders minds everyday... and, then the question is do you have the means and, more importantly, the courage to change your model to deliver that.
Remember, I like iterations.
But, the question becomes personal. How do I provide unique value?
And, do I do it in a way that brings financial wealth creation or personal wealth creation?
One of the best ways to figure it out, is listen to what others say about you. To you, and to others.
There is power in the collective voice (though it can sometimes be wrong or misinterpreted).
Over time, what I hear back is humbling and satisfying. i believe I am at a point where I am creating some personal wealth for several people around me, and I do feel like I am starting to create financial wealth for our company. And, as the concept of harmony goes, now the bar is higher and in every moment I need to figure out how to do it again and do it better.
I think strategy trumps culture, and I think both are critical for a sustainable business.
I think people are the most important element of everything.
I think we should all be given the space to be who we are.
I think a business can always be made profitable.
I love business and I love people. Does that make me unique? I don't think so.
Truth is... I am not sure, exactly, how I am unique.
But, I do know clearer than ever, what I believe and what I value.
As the old saying goes, "Wisdom is a love affair with questions. Knowledge is a love affair with answers." Julio Olalla.
So, I am not going to answer this one.
I am going to leave you with the question....
As you walk into a Starbucks or a Dunkin Donuts or brew your own coffee this morning... what makes us unique makes us valuable.
How well do you know your own answer?
How comfortable are you with the question?
I don't know the answer, exactly. But, I love the question.
And, I am searching for the answer while striving to bring the most possible value everyday.
What is your blue ocean self?
Yours in harmony,
Nestor