The number 168

Welcome. I am pleased to write my first public blog and share my perspective with the world. Today, I'd like to highlight an interesting management tactic that I discovered when researching stocks. My friend, Beau, works with a large commercial roofing company owned my the publicly traded conglomerate, RPM International, Inc. As I reviewed their website, I noticed a certain section of the site dedicated to the number 168. What does 168 mean? RPM uses the number 168 as a fundamental of productivity. There are a maximum of 168 hours in a week that work can get done; 168 hours for you, as a manager, and your employees to accomplish your goal(s) and complete tasks. RPM founder,  Frank C. Sullivan, believes in this number so much, he has adorned his license plate with the powerful 3 digits.

At Google, Inc., arguably the most successful company in the history of commerce, management goes to great expense to promote productivity. As an employee of Google, you are offered amenities that simplify your life and keep you focused on the main goal: advancing the company and fulfilling your job requirements, whatever they may be. The company offers free laundry service, complimentary fine cuisine at lunch, and transportation to aid your commute, to specify a few of these amenities. Why? Google has gone to great lengths to hire the best and brightest minds and they do not need this talent distracted by menial tasks and obligations. If they take these variables away, it leaves their employees with more time to focus on work and stay fresh and creative.

As a business, your employees are one of the most valuable assets you possess. They are a VERY powerful force and this can be what makes your business or becomes its downfall. Going the distance and beyond for those who operate within your business is vital to the success of your enterprise. Employees will respond to how they are compensated (and if you think I am just referring to financial compensation, go to the top and start over) and they use this to gauge your appreciation for their efforts. So if you have inferiors, ensure that they are being paid what they are worth. And it never hurts to remind someone how appreciative you are of their good performance. After all, without these people, your business would be non-existent! This is the key to extracting every ounce of productivity out of that 168 hours a week. Thanks for listening...