At one of our clients of long standing, things were just not going well.
They provided both products and services, and there were problems in both areas.
As senior advisor on Quality, and to some extent on strategy, I was terribly concerned.
Finally, I decided to increase the pressure on the CEO.
I went in and said "Hr. V. D., I have to tell you we have problems. Big ones."
He listened intently as I listed the problems, one after another.
Finally, I said, "Hr. V.D.., we could go bankrupt."
He looked at me and said, "You are right. There are major problems that have to be dealt with."
As I relaxed a little, he continued "And I will work on them immediately after I return from my month of vacation."
Then he smiled, and patted me on my shoulder.
Learnings and lessons:
In Sweden, as in most of Europe, holidays are considered part of maintaining one's quality of life, and nothing is allowed to delay them.
While I almost did not survive him taking vacation, the company actually did.
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On Screen And Enthusiasm
At one of my clients, we all moved to the central auditorium to use their excellent new audiovisual system, provided as a central service to all tenants, for a slide show.
The equipment included a large white screen that dropped soundlessly and elegantly down from the ceiling.
The screen formed a wonderful and large backdrop for the presentation and discussion of the facility, the workflows and equipment layout,
When one of the questions regarding how best to describe the movement of people and materials was raised, and could not be clarified, I went up and showed on the diagram on the screen how it was done, using a pointer and then an indelible magic marker to make corrections on the slide.
Unfortunately, I forgot that the slide was on the screen.
The screen now had a lovely series of arrows in the middle.
Upon realizing this, exuent omnes, stage left, shocked and laughing, including a very humble and apologetic me.
And the client is still with us today.
Learnings and lessons:
Always, no matter how enthusiastic you get, remember where you are and what is correct to do.
A shared adventure is a bonding experience.
