Published letter to The Manufacturer magazine July 2005

Dear Sir

I read this article eagerly as it purported to answer the question “where do people go for advice”.

The answer seemed to be “all over the place” but much of it of low quality.

My interest is that of gamekeeper turned poacher. After 35 years in manufacturing industry I have started a consultancy to provide motivation management coaching to business to drive down costs.

I cannot say clearly enough that the biggest problem I see is the lack of managerial time, no time to see what is really happening. I visit companies and I know they won’t be in business next year, but they are too busy to look up from the bench and see!

Some really good advice from a Chairman I once had, “take time to look out of the window”.

I know not all business advice comes from people with solid relevant experience so you have to shop around.

But it’s no good blaming other people; the person to blame is wearing your shoes.

We have a mission to make work profitable and enjoyable, so instead of moaning let’s just do it!