It’s a real privilege to walk into an office each morning loving what the day is going to bring. ICP Solar like many companies caught in a major market shift, had a hard time keeping that spirit going. The necessary staff changes took a definite toll on the team. Imagine changing brands, products, manufacturing locations all within a few months time. But now we’ve done it and we are finally reaping the rewards. How do I define them?
Well, I have a brand new equity and managing partner in the solar business. SHE is amazing. The energy level at the office just skyrocketed today and I hope that is translated across the water to our UK and EU partners shortly. The office is buzzing as we began to ship the solar SunseiTM products last month and the demand keeps growing (largest order book in our entire history).
The greatest accomplishment of any leader is to be able to have his team take the credit whilst he exerts gentle influence on the company’s direction and supports his/her team in their efforts. Just as giving ownership to a consumer of your brand is one of the best things you can do (if your brand stands for an expectation beyond all others), giving credit where its due (your team) is a great sign of having reached a level of leadership that one can label as successful.
I have much work to do in that regard, yet with enthusiasm I take that challenge each day. Our factory has achieved productivity and quality neverbefore seen from its machines and our team is busier producing plate at a torrid pace compared to years gone by. We’ve never run at four shifts and are about to turn on that tap. And nothing can make them happier than having to work hard to satisfy the demand that our marketing partner Twist Image helped us create through a tremendous branding initiative. Now our objective is to surpass the expectation of the brand with delivery, service, quality and ethics every step of the way.
We’re not used to having to stay open Christmas week to satisfy demand. These are the woes a CEO dreams of…
La vita bella,
Sass