Seeing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

When Jim Collins spoke to us earlier this year, he shared examples of Level 5 Leaders - people who possess a combination of personal humility and professional will. Described by Jim as “shy, unpretentious, and even awkward,” these individuals also demonstrate a fierce determination and, based on his five years of research, are essential to transitioning a good company into a great one.

One of the primary characteristics of Level 5 Leaders is that “they are ambitious for the institution,” always doing what they feel is best for the overall body of work. Their stories that illustrate a balance of modesty and strength of character during critical periods of transformation are truly inspirational.

As we face one of the most challenging crises of modern time, our nation has also been inspired by the stories we have heard of individual self-less courage. The terrorist attacks, coupled with the economy, have tested our resolve and forced us to adopt Level 5 qualities, thinking beyond ourselves and coming together in support of the country as a whole.

How we proactively move forward is crucial to our future. It is at this time, in particular, that it is important to look to the experience and knowledge of experts, such as Jim and FMI Corp., to provide us with their thoughtful viewpoints and give us an external perspective so that we can make the best possible business decisions.

For example, some of the suggestions FMI outlined in a white paper are as follows (please visit http://www.fminet.com for the paper in its entirety):

• Examine your business model. Place continued emphasis on the basics of your business model.
• Develop or review your overall strategic plan. Do not panic and make hasty, short-term business decisions.
• Manage labor and demonstrate a long-term commitment to employees. Continue to provide ongoing training and development, as well as focus on continuity. How would the company handle the loss of a key player? Build a foundation for future leadership.
• Demonstrate Leadership. Increase ongoing communication with people in the company.

These were a few of the thoughts we felt were important to share. As DPR continues over the next several months to plan for 2002, we keep circling back to our strong “genetic coding” that we established in the early days of the company - our core values of integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and ever forward.

Reprinted with permission from Punchlist, e-newsletter, FMI Corporation, 919.787.8400.