Lessons from Thomas the Train
Growing up, one of my favorite stories was Thomas the Train … “I think I can, I think I can”. The Train that everyone doubted demonstrated that he could scale the mountain against all the odds with all of the box cars (baggage). The interesting aspect of Thomas’ success was that he was not only able to scale the mountain against all the odds, but he accomplished his goal through tenacity and humility – earning honor and respect. There are many lessons that Thomas can teach us all about running a business.
Lesson 1: Be Small but Potent (Efficiency of Scale)
One of these lessons centers on the engine. How was Thomas able to accomplish this difficult feat time-after-time even though he was smaller than everyone else? The first thought that comes to mind is that Thomas is small but potent; one may say, “big bang for the buck” – effective and efficient. Thomas’ engine worked well with his surroundings, realizing the maximum potential of his capabilities to achieve the task at-hand. How well do we support our company’s infrastructure (“engine”)?
Lesson 2: Build a Practiced Foundation (Perfect Fundamentals)
We may have forgotten that before Thomas conquered the mountain, Thomas spent the time to ensure that he was well maintained and in working order (prepared). Similar to a successful athlete, we watch with amazement on how their hard work and determination translates into elegance. How did they accomplish this transformation? They spent tireless hours honing their craft. They prepared so when they are placed in the harshest competitive environment; they can prevail to be the best (Watch “Rocky” for inspiration). Do we perform consistently, efficiently and effectively?
Lesson 3: Start & End with your Customers (Do not Rest on Past Success)
As you reflect on your company’s many accomplishments, what is the health of your business model (engine)? Are you satisfied that it is operating at its’ current best? You and your team have conquered many mountains (obstacles) over the years. However, we can never relax, there is always new terrain (competition). Are you prepared to weather the storm (changes in the marketplace)? Are you the customer’s natural choice?
Lesson 4: Build Momentum (Manage Scalability)
What can be done to ensure success? Are you able to maintain your revenue and margin growth momentum? Are you prepared to scale the next mountain to maintain your company’s growth trajectory? In facing these challenges, never forget where you came from, what made you successful from the beginning. Looking ahead, do you have the confidence that your engine can demonstrate elegance and scalability to realize your growth and margin objectives? Are spending sufficient time tuning your infrastructure so that you will be ready for the next foreseen or unforeseen mountain?
Lesson 5: Establish Your Business Model (Stay Focused)
Sometimes when we accomplish a marketplace goal with our business model, we extend to other environments beyond our core business model capabilities to drive growth. An example of one the most successful athletes of all-time attempted this was when Michael Jordan took up baseball. Although he was a well-tuned engine, Michael entered a marketplace that he thought he understood. Michael thought he could easily translate his engine (business model) to baseball. We all know the results, Michael was good but not great; never making it out of the minor leagues. He had a strong engine. In business, we need to be careful on how we scale our business about our finely tuned engine that brought us the success that we have enjoyed.
In summary, our business model (engine) defines who we are and what we can be. Our business model, similar to Thomas The Train’s engine, is the heartbeat of our company. Successful companies stick to their core competencies while discovering new ways to grow through adapting their engine through their company vision.
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Jim de Vries is the Founder, Manager Partner of Enhance International Group (EIG).
EIG is a global, diverse, management consulting firm offering practical and transformational solutions to help businesses and organizations work smarter and faster. We collaborate with your leadership teams to address your organization’s most complex business problems to achieve your inherent business value. www.ConsultingEIG.com (jdevries@ConsultingEIG.com)