A Seasonal Tale

Like everyone else, the World Elf Service has to consider adapting to today’s conditions. The disappearing ice cap at the North Pole is obviously a major environmental threat and the Strategic Wellie Reserve is being expanded aggressively.

However, world economics need careful thought to ensure WES continues to provide its unique brand of Christmas service for ever.

In every organization the question to be answered is managing the Balance sheet. Can sales revenue be maintained or are cost cutting measures necessary?

Naturally, input costs are a concern. Raw material prices have been very high although now showing some respite. Reindeer feedstuff is very expensive now. The huge demand for Magic Pixie Dust from Finance ministers and Bankers around the world has sent the cost off the graph!

One decision was quickly made – to maintain capacity. The WES is a global operation with a highly seasonal core business. If the capacity isn’t there to deliver the core brand values of secrecy, customer satisfaction and happy memories, the business will suffer.

Fortunately, the Boss has always been strong on managing the workforce. The elves are fully aware of the circumstances and are proud of their involvement in WES. Over the years they have made so many improvements to the operation that they are secretly pleased to be both the best and the lowest cost operator. The Boss knows that the flexibility, adaptability, and pure hard work the workforce gives produces the best chance of success now times are hard.

Indeed, a flood of diversification ideas based on the operational capabilities has hit his desk in the last few months. Accurate opinion polls (they know your secret wishes) and a one hour anywhere delivery service play to their key strengths. Merging with the Easter Bunny operation was considered but Egg distribution has been underway for a several weeks now and would exacerbate the seasonal demand on the delivery team (Rudolph was not happy).

The franchise operation performs well, the Father Christmas, Joulupukki, Père Noël, Saint Basil, Saint Nicholas, Christkind and Weihnachtsmann brands being particularly noteworthy. But charging a licence fee for use of the concept was dropped as not in keeping with the core brand values.

Certainly, the Boss, Santa Claus, is delighted he can rely on everyone putting their heart and soul into the job. This is the time to perform not worry about the future, the time for that is January.

Of course, as the best, lowest cost provider the Boss can only make one comment – “Ho ho ho!”

Happy Christmas!

If you want to be the best, lowest cost provider, make contacting us the first of your New Year’s Resolutions https://bit.ly/MMLBooking

Posted in Humour, Leadership, Operational effectiveness, People management, Perform.