The hidden extras

I heard a programme on the radio this morning which mentioned amongst lots of other interesting facts that we are the first generation not to have tasted their cutlery - stainless steel is tasteless.

Of course being tasteless was not a design feature - it just came as a 'hidden extra'.

This set me thinking about the fact that YOU should think about the 'hidden extras' in your products and services.  What is it about them that customers value ... but were not explicitly designed in.  Can any of these be extended or enhanced to offer additional(perhaps unconscious)value?

Are you worth it?

How does your pay compare to that of the lowest paid worker in your organisation?

If you don't know, go and find out ... and ask yourself if you are worth that differential.,,, bearing in mind your skills, responsibility, level of risk and whatever other factors you think should be taken into account.

If you can't honestly answer 'yes', what are you going to do about it?

Are you mature?

Well, are you mature? Not you ... your organisation.

In a mature organisation it is often more difficult to identify innovations - the market is mature, processes are well-established, staff have been in post for some time.

So, you have to find ways of acting in an 'immature way' - more like a start-up.Think about how you might do this ... look at the 'edges' of your market to identify potential new opportunities;  think how technology could change your processes; change people's roles so they have to think afresh.

These are just suggestions ... the key (as one rather large organisation used to remind us) is to Think Differently. 

Lower the Lintel

A lintel is one of those girder-like things above a door ... the kind of thing you bump your head on in old, mediaeval buildings in the UK.

I am thinking of installing a few such low ones throughout my organisation. Then everyone who bumps their head will be reminded about 'low overheads' ... and the message might eventually sink in.