SLOW DOWN INSTEAD OF SPEEDING UP SO YOU CAN MOVE YOUR COMPANY AHEAD

The time of the “turtle” is coming to a company near you. We as a country and a work group have reached that saturation point in how much time we can devote to our jobs. Almost all of the civilized world has already recognized this and have taken steps to slow down. But here’s what we are learning: living and working on the “fast track” does not produce better results or necessarily more accomplishments. In fact the opposite may be true. Also the “type A” personality is living a shortened life. And we all of a sudden are recognizing it. But there is much more to the “Slow Movement”, or as author Steve Prentice calls it the Cool Down.” In his new book by the same name he argues that those who move to this methodology may be getting further by going slower. Just like the fabled turtle.

Author Prentice tells us that his research proves that by cooling down we look closer at the details and not make so many mistakes. He cites many instances where companies such as Alcan Aluminum have even mandated designated “no work” weekends for staff. The results have been amazing too. What the companies do, however, is instruct their employees to work smarter while taking their time. It does not cost them any more in cash outlays either. In fact, in detailed studies, they found that their employee base was less expensive from a health care standpoint because they suffered fewer burnouts, even breakdowns and heart attacks.

The families benefited, as well, as they spent more time together. The companies that adopted these rules and Cool Down approaches prospered in many ways including better customer service, more orders and often less maintenance on equipment because of frustration. If you have the least indication in your life, whether you are a business owner or just a worker, and you want to look at becoming a “turtle personality” this volume is worthwhile reading.