What Profits...Quietly Missing...From Unwritten...Public...Goals...?

By Sid Chadwick, Chadwick Consulting, Inc. – 09/04/2025

Published in American Printer : “If your goals aren’t posted, are they even real? Sid's article exposes the silent drift happening in leadership and why what’s not said might be costing you more than you think.”

“The really important things are said over cocktails… and are never done.”………………….Peter F. Drucker, Consultant, Author, Advisor

INTRODUCTION: 

The lack of public…individual…department…and organizational written goals – quietly…..speaks volumes.

In a recent series of Conference Calls with Plant Managers and Business Development Directors, focused on Improved Leadership, one participant continued to NOT post his goals for himself and his department.

Tired of my asking where his Goals were posted in his office, he finally said in a private conversation, “You realize I could retire, and don’t need this job…!”

My understanding is he no longer works for that organization, in that capacity.

In a separate scene, a “sophisticated” Wide-Format Plant was only working one 10-to-12 hour shift, but making a profit – while paying approximately $50,000 each month – for rent.  (Note: There were no Goals posted anywhere in the Plant beyond when current Projects were due to be delivered.)

The Question was asked, “Since All your Fixed Costs are already being covered, what additional Margins and Projects (and Vertical Markets)…. are available to be captured…?”

The lack of “Individual Supervisory Posted Goals” – vetted by Dept. Leadership Peers….allows for an “Unspoken Smokescreen” – for Supervisors to work on what they prefer… instead of what is needed most…!

SUMMARY: 

Organizational Leadership should start at the Top, but in reality… can start – anywhere….e.g., Delivery Personnel, Night Shift answering the Phone, Receptionist, Inside Sales Reps, Accounting.

When any part of an organization establishes superior goals and performance standards, there’s an inevitable “Ripple Effect” – that can stretch to the farthest corners of that organization – including its customers….!

I’ve seen it. …You’ve seen it…. I’ve done it….!

But if the Owner doesn’t buy-in – and – endorse the initiative….everybody knows it…including customers…..!

“The cruelest lies are often told in silence.”……..…..Robert Louis Stevenson