World Fence News

48 • JULY 2018 • WORLD FENCE NEWS P.V.C. PROFILES • SECTIONS • CAPS Lowest Prices • Highest Quality Easy Credit Terms Save more and learn to fabricate! We will teach you how! UVX Universal Vinyl Extruders, Inc. 631-643-1786 www.uvxextruders.com NEW CONVENIENT PICK UP POINT IN MARYLAND In 1894, the biggest problem in large cities was horse manure. In fact, the Times of London predicted, "In 50 years, every street in London will be buried under nine feet of manure." The problem was so large that it became known as the Great Horse Manure Crisis of 1894. The first international urban plan- ning conference had solving the horse manure problem as its primary agenda item when it met in 1898. Interestingly, the meeting broke up after three days rather than its scheduled 10 because no one could agree on how to solve this seemingly catastrophic challenge. "What does that have to do with the fence business," you ask? You have two basic responsibili- ties as a leader: Build a team that can deliver amazing results today, and prepare for a future filled with uncer- tainty and change. Most of us focus the vast major- ity of our attention on getting the job done today. We might occasional- ly think about building the team for tomorrow. We rarely think about the long-term future, and when we do, we (like the urban planners of 1898) often get it wrong. The problem isn't a lack of desire. You want your business to be prepared for the future. Often, it's a matter of time … or the lack of it. Many business owners and lead- ers tell me that they are trapped in the day-to-day. They are supervising crews, do- ing administrative work, and meeting with customers and prospects. Then there are the disruptions … lots and lots of disruptions. Some are legitimate, but many should have never appeared on your radar in the first place. Sound familiar? If so, consider this: • The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness reports that the average leader spends 25 min- utes per day focused on strategizing for future success. That rounds up to just over two hours per week. My experience says that isn't enough. • Warren Buffet reportedly de- votes up to 80 percent of his day read- ing and thinking. That is wonderful if you can do it, but Mr. Buffet probably has more control over his calendar than you and I. The most effective executives I've observed commit 25 to 40 percent of their time to future-focused thinking and planning. Mid-level managers invest be- tween 5 to 10 percent of their time thinking and planning about what's next for their teams. Crew leaders and supervisors are more likely to spend an hour or two every week planning for the immediate future and perhaps engaged in longer-term planning once or twice per year. It sounds simple, but it's not. Your team has mastered the art of delegat- ing up the organization to your desk. And, you can't ignore the reality that sometimes you consciously or un- consciously say yes to things to which you should say no. Questions you should be asking There is also the issue of how you think about the future. The horse ma- nure problem was very real. The inability to imagine a future that is different from the present is one reason why companies like Block- buster, Toys R Us, and Sears totally miss what's coming next and become irrelevant. Here are five questions you should be asking on a regular basis to avoid a similar fate: 1. What else should we be doing today to better serve our internal and external customers? 2. What's next? What opportuni- ties and threats lurk over the horizon that could help us flourish or cause us to be disrupted? 3. Are we optimized and prepared for the future? Do we have the talent, resources, and long-term strategy we need? Is our organizational structure and DNA nimble enough to allow us to quickly respond? 4. What should we or could we do differently or not at all? Running fast- er and further is extremely difficult when you are already running as fast and as far as you can. 5. How do we keep ourselves open to address unplanned opportunities and challenges? Much of what hap- pens in business never appears on the strategic plan. So where did you invest your time last week, month, or quarter? Your mission – should you choose to accept it – is to take proactive steps to clear your calendar of everything that others could or should be doing. Then use that time to think about the future. Not doing so could land you in a huge pile of horse manure. Randy Pennington is an award-winning author, speaker, and leading authority on helping organizations achieve positive results in a world of acceler- ating change. To bring him to your organi- zation or event, visit www.penning- tongroup.com, e-mail info@penning- tongroup.com, or call 972-980-9857. How are you thinking about the future? BY RANDY PENNINGTON SECURE GATE SYSTEMS, INC. Toll Free 866-725-6995 • www.securegatesystems.net HIGH SECURITY INDUSTRIAL PANIC GATES Pre-hung, ready to install • Heavy duty construction • Multiple finishes Why settle for this? When you can have this! Or this! Or this! NEW ECONOMY MODEL STARTING AT $1,895.00 © Skidril Inc. 2018 Ending back breaking post pounding! Skidril is the place for fence post pounders and equipment. With over 30 years of experience and thousands of customers all over the world look no further for the best in the business. We make Gasoline, Hydraulic and Pneumatic powered drivers. The Skidril hydraulic driver line can be powered by the smallest power supply in the industry (only 97 lb. and 2 sq. ft.) or even your tractor, skid loader or digger. From ground rods to 4" pipe or wood we have a solution for you. SKIDRIL.COM 800-843-3745 American Ingenuity. Back in the 90's we had an idea! We invented the self-contained post driver. The first machine (which is still running) was delivered to a fencer in New York State. Now the Ultra-Driver G20D Gas Powered Post Driver offers awesome performance in an affordable package. Make no mistake only the Skidril G20D comes from a company with nearly 30 years experience making gas driven tools for the fence industry. The Ultra-Driver G20D is the most powerful driver in its class powered by a 4 stroke Honda motor or 2 stroke. A great product at a good price from a name you can trust!

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