Observation; Orientation; Decision; Action
The F-16 fighter jet is a modest machine by Air Force standards. It measures just 49 feet long and 31 feet wide from wingtip to wingtip, and it weighs about half as much as the F-15. The F16 can only reach 1,350 mph at top speed. So it isn’t as fast as the F-15 nor can it fly as high or as far. But in battle, the F-16 defies physics. Its design allows extreme maneuvers, even at low speeds. It dumps and regains energy in an instant, and despite its light weight, it can withstand nine times the force of gravity — which enables some serious twisting and rolling. Pilots jag and flip with subtle nudges to a sensitive electronic flight-control system. The plane is unthinkably agile. The analogy often used to describe the F16’s performance is to visualize a young Michael Jordan with 29,100 pounds of thrust.
Now think of your company: Is it an F-16 or a simple turboprop? In business, success isn’t simply a matter of being quickest to market, of spending the most, or of selling the highest-quality products. You can win by using any of those methods but only if you do one more thing: Outmaneuver the other guy. You have to know your market and act decisively. Agility is the essence of strategy in war and in business.
Business is a dogfight. Your job as a leader: Observe, Orient, Decide and take Action.
Observe: AH Harris recently observed some subtle indicators in our market that our primary competition in the northeast, Barker Steel LLC, was re-thinking their go to market strategy.
Orient: We oriented ourselves to assist them in the decision making process by establishing an open line of communication.
Decide: We quickly decided that it would be in the industry’s best interest not to lose knowledgeable seasoned associates and that minimizing business interruption to contractors was paramount.
Act: AH Harris took action. AH Harris has entered into an agreement with Barker Steel LLC, whereby AH Harris has assumed Barker’s Westfield, MA and Queens, NY Facilities.
This agreement came after in-depth and careful deliberation by Barker Steel, LLC to exit the Building Materials Distribution as well as the Forming and Shoring Rental Business. Barker will maintain their rebar fabrication operations and will continue to distribute reinforcing steel, wire mesh, rebar accessories, couplers and Nucor products such as Vulcraft.
AH Harris has acquired all remaining forming and shoring equipment as well as the Building Materials Inventory for all 7 Barker Building Materials locations.
Both parties feel that this restructuring will allow each of us to do what we do best!
AH Harris will soon be flying high with more experienced and knowledgeable associates and 2 additional locations to serve your needs. There is no doubt that there will be some serious twisting and rolling during this transition. We plan to be agile enough to stay on course and complete our mission, which is to provide the highest quality products and professional services.
Think like a pilot. Be a leader.