The Definition of a Quartet...
Do you know what he definition of a quartet is? Everybody knows the musical definition: 4 people, harmonizing and making beautiful music. Intertwining voices that create a sound and a flow that amazes and captivates. It’s a sound and a fury that moves all in its universe and captures greatness. So… Is there a "quartet" at your company?
The manufacturing industry has an alternative definition that I learned a long time ago and it's not nearly as complimentary or as moving:
"A Quartet is One Guy Who Thinks the Other Three Stink"
But wait! Not at your business right? Your “quartet” of Management, Production, Quality and Sales is the definition of harmony and complementary sounds right? Each bringing their voice and skill to the meeting, creating and blending to create the best possible atmosphere for the business, employees and customers. I’m sure that’s who you are and I’m sure your customers will agree.
What Song Does Your Customer Hear?
But what if it’s not? Are you sure your creating the harmonies that will most benefit your business, banker and customer base? It’s worth looking into that’s for sure. Because this sound, the voices that your customers hear, is really their perception of who you are as a business and what they expect on a daily basis. And their perception is truly their reality. Might be worth finding out if that beautiful music you hear is truly beautiful or just you benefiting from the solitude and acoustics of your shower at home.
It is obviously critically important that these 4 pillars that drive your business are all supporting the weight of the company and all doing so in unison. If Sales makes false promises or doesn’t get supported you won’t capture new business. If Production is disinterested or has ill fitting projects pushed on them they will fall apart fast and likely take some of the good people and processes with them. If Quality can’t or won’t participate you’ll find yourself sitting in “what went wrong” meetings more often than you’d like. And if Management doesn’t manage all of these moving parts your management team will start off each day with a lack of joy and purpose that will drag the rest of the quartet down with them.
Make that Beautiful Music!
Beautiful music is hard to make otherwise we’d all be performers and celebrities instead of manufacturers. Making beautiful music in your shop can be done and we know the right people are there to do so, just ask them. It’s getting the other guy to agree that WE are the right people that is the trick.
I can’t tell you how to do it and in fact maybe you’re doing it now. But being aware of this and making every effort to cross lines, team build, share ideas and communicate will be rewarding and satisfying. And everybody truly wants to be in a quartet where the sum of the parts exceeds even the best member of the team. Synergy and energy will follow and your business, banker and customers will love the sound of that!