6. See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It.

 
Take personal responsibility for making things happen. Respond to every situation with a can do attitude, rather than explaining why it can’t be done. Be resourceful and show initiative. Always stay above the line.

Jay's Message:

 

When Famous started and for the next 25 years we didn’t have a copier, a fax machine and certainly not anything even resembling a computer.   We didn’t even have electric typewriters. Our phones were only one step above what Alexander Bell invented. Conference calls didn’t exit. No Voice mail.

So how did Famous grow profitably and why did approximately 90% of our competitors go out of business?

One reason was that we reinvested our profits back into the business (and still do) and by sharing profits with all of our eligible Associates. We also provided our Associates the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities within Famous.

But the foundation of our success and growth was EMPOWERMENT. Empowerment meant we allowed our Branch Managers and their Associates total responsibility and authority: to purchase products, establish credit limits for each of their customers, hire, manage, lead, coach, develop, promote Associates, and feel comfortable making many decisions without having to go to their direct report or corporate. It was common to hear that a Famous counter person had more authority than Regional Managers of some of our competitors. Our Associates saw Problems and Opportunities.  They OWNED the Authority and Responsibility to immediately take the necessary action to SOLVE AND RESOLVE any problem. And they DID IT ASAP.

Today we have computers, software, processes, and specialists in HR, accounting, credit, purchasing, product specialists, marketing, sales, technical support, sales, training, logistics, management and supply chain professionals. These Associates have taken a load off your backs and give you incredible support so you can focus on your job responsibilities and our customers. You still must DO what’s right when you’re in the “gray” area. You must take OWNERSHIP of issues and opportunities.

We encourage All Associates to SEE IT, OWN IT, SOLVE problems and opportunities and DO IT as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading this email.

Stay healthy and have fun for this whole year….not just for only today.