Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

"There were many times when I failed, many times when I was disappointed. We didn't set the world on fire from the first day: disappointments, setbacks and work have created the Company as it is today."

Whatever we as business leaders or managers become, it's always in connection to how we respond to challenges and disappointments. We have to get rid of the idea that doing things right will eliminate them. I think it's just the opposite: doing things right creates them.

Why? When you're working on the right things, real problems arise because there is a true response from our customers, and that creates problems in the sense that it reveals both the strengths and weakness of what we've made. No matter how much we try things out in our "controlled" settings, it isn't until something is released to the public that the real quality of a product is revealed.

If people don't respond to a product, no real ensuing problems arise, because they basically reject it. The only problem we encounter there is we have to disgard it.

On the other hand, when a product we create is embraced and truly cared about by our customers, they tinker and interact with it, and then give feedback on what they like and dislike; it's there the challenges and problems are discovered and responded to.

The type of business leaders and company we have will be based on how we respond to these challenges. People don't expect perfection, but they do expect responses and certain attitudes while working with us. If they express disappointment or suggestions to make our product better, running through their ideas and adopting those that would add value to the majority of other customers, is essential to success.

We have to understand the introducing a new product or service is only step one in the process. A truly successful launch will eventually include a lot of problem solving as a result of its success. Those willing to respond and look at the product cycle from a long-term view, will be part of making a great company, being a great manager, and creating lifelong customers.

Disappointment will always be part of the journey to success we travel. How we respond to them decides the winners and losers.