Turbulent Times - Stay Focused

Politicians and media inundate us with their interpretations of current global eventsrelated to tariff wars. It is challenging to discern whom to trust and the extent to whichtheir perspectives are credible. The constant barrage of fear-inducing messages can beemotionally draining and distracting. It is essential for most of us to step back andunderstand the motivations behind these proclamations of doom. Politicians, inparticular, aim to attract as many people as possible to their rhetoric as it enhancestheir power to influence our thinking - and reliance on them for shaping and regulatingour future.

While not suggesting we completely disengage from media or political discourse, I dorecommend that we concentrate on the aspects within our businesses/organizationsthat we can control and strive to differentiate fact from fiction when making decisions.

Some known Key Facts:

• Tariffs are currently in place
• Duration of tariffs is uncertain
• Scope of taxed items remains unclear
• Precise tariff rates for certain products/services unknown

Most of us have no influence or control over these factors. Politicians claim expertise inmanaging these issues on our behalf and suggest they have the necessary tools andknowledge to properly address the challenges. In other words, these matters arebeyond our control, and they are taking responsibility for resolving them.

This leaves us in a difficult and frustrating position of helplessness. To alleviate thisfeeling, we must refocus and expand our efforts and attention to identify potentialactions to mitigate the impact on our personal circumstances.

Within our organizations/companies, we retain such control. Recognizing this, we canacknowledge that there is significant room for improvement on ‘costs’ without requiringexternal approvals or interference. It is entirely within our domain to implement changesnecessary to ensure better chances of survival, without needing additional capital,space or staff.

There is a tremendous opportunity for improvement, given the substantial amount of “waste” prevalent in all internal processes—often the waste exceeds 75%. And thiswaste can be effectively eliminated through structured internal efforts.

Acquire the knowledge to analyze your processes efficiently and transform yourbusiness independently. Do not let tariffs defeat you or distract your thinking; focus onthe option within your control.