Does your business need a more careful shave?

• Author: Hayzlett, Jeffrey
• Position: Brief article

From Running the Gauntlet by Jeffrey Hayzlett with Jim. Eber. Copyright [c]2012 by Jeffrey Hayzlett Published by McGraw-Hill (www. mhprofessional.com).

I WAS RIDING THE SUBWAY in New York City one afternoon when a 60-something gentleman sat down across from me. At first glance, he looked successful--nice tie, jacket, and slacks; a distinguished head of white hair. But then I began to process the details. Everything about this guy read success ... 10 or 20 years ago. Today his look read "better days behind me." His shirt and tie may have been expensive when he bought them, but now they were frayed and spotted. His pants and jacket were worn, if not threadbare, in places. He needed a haircut and a more careful shave.

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Did I know this man? It doesn't matter. I made the same assessment of him that your employees, customers, and vendors make of you, your other employees and your business every day. Sure, there could be any number of reasons for this guy's state. Maybe he was wearing his lucky outfit...