Posted By Don Clouser, Chairman of the Board, Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Urbandictionary.com defines an echo chamber as “an insular communication space where everyone agrees with the information and no outside input is allowed.” “We can’t find good people!” “Can’t find good people!”, “Can’t find good people!”, “Can’t find good people!”
We all have challenges in our businesses today. Even those who seem to have hit their stride are finding ways to improve. But where are those answers? Do you keep asking the same people in the same place? “Yes”, “Yes”, Yes”. Have you gone outside your normal realm for a fresh perspective? Or would you rather be told you are right, even though it is not working?
Are you the kind of person that has to figure it out themselves? Try this, try that, logic suggests that this would work. If I get help, that would be cheating or a sign of weakness. Overtime you reinvent a number of actions and end up with the same results.
I often get mocked for being old school and asking around what other people are doing. When I ask how to do something and get barraged with “look it up,” “Google it,” “YouTube it,” all the information is out there. You don’t have to think. You just look up the answers. They make me feel lazy. Plus I need the interaction to challenge what I am being told to make sure it fits.
Let me reiterate that we all have challenges in our business today. Fortunately, you are not unique. But how are you overcoming them? Can you identify with any of the above examples? If so, you need to reach out. You need to get out of your comfort zone and ask the opinion of someone who does not owe you anything but their opinion.
While DRMA cannot solve your problems, we can help you realize there are others in the same situations working on new solutions who are willing to share so that you can figure out what is best for you. Our Meet Ups are a great way to elevate your business by learning and challenging your peers. Every month individuals come together with the same issue/interests that you have (Operations, Workforce/HR, Additive Manufacturing, Safety, Young Professionals) to discuss how they are overcoming challenges or best utilizing solutions. Check out this newsletter, the website, or the weekly News Bits emails for the schedule.
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Don’t expect a different result from the same action. Take a deep breath and talk with someone you don’t know who is in the same situation. DRMA is serious about advancing manufacturing. Are you serious about advancing your business? Then we will see you soon.