Maersk and Apple are doing the right thing

When Maersk Line changed the organisation, the reason for their success was their ability to revitalise the business model. Not only through small steps, but by taking a huge leap. And last but not least because they have celebrated the employees and the victories along the way. Giving layer cakes on the ships to the employees is the way to go. They deserve it, because they have flipped the boat over.

In these days, the Ipad-rush has struck Denmark. Apple has managed to reinvent itself. Again. And it probably won’t be the last time. Apple used their core competences to surprise the market and setting new standards for, how a computer shall look like. There is a thread back to the eighties, where computers developed from being a work tool into being personal.

If change is to make any sense, it must come from the top. Active communication is essential, if the employees’ commitment shall be recreated. Apple as well as Maersk has created the necessary enthusiasm.

Instead of disappearing behind closed doors, the management must act much more confident and communicate more openly.

Apple has always been on the toes, when Steven Jobs has appeared with the latest new thing. And we witness a much larger willingness to tell openly about the successes of Esplanaden in the papers and in other media.

But it isn’t just the two icons, who does it right. Your company can do it, too. Four things need to be done:

1.     Remodelling the business model. Digitalisation and globalisation are two keywords that open up opportunities but it also allows many new competitors to enter your market. Is your current business model the right one right now?

2.     Transfer of knowledge and resources from one business area to another. Focus must constantly be on activities that create value. The company needs constantly to utilise their resources on whatever gives the largest return. It is a dynamic process.

3.     Break the taboos; forget what was right before. This is a new situation; the rules of the game are different. And one of the worst things for people as well as companies is bad habits.

4.     Make sure to keep your employees on their toes, so they are tuned in on winning. If the employees do not have the right attitude, even the best business concept is doomed in advance.

Be paranoid - moderately. One thing is sure; change is necessary. Whether you are successful or not.