The Big Three has often referred to the three major automobile manufacturers in America; the Big Three television networks in the United States; and the historical reference, which began with the Big Three World War II leaders.

Here are The Big Three in business –

Strategy: Creativity, focus and planning are the elements of strategy

• Set a plan A and a Plan B. Plan A is what you work on and Plan B is what you work on if Plan A doesn’t work.

• Make creativity your greatest partner.  Creativity is not “old stuff” stirred up; it’s a creative approach to what you do. Ask yourself hard questions: What are other companies doing? What worked (or didn’t) in the past? What do my customers think? What ideas and suggestions do they offer?

• Focus on response time, expected results, and the means of getting your plan to your market segment.

Teamwork: Create a sense of balance

• Honor the variety of input people provide your company. Effective teamwork adds dimension, a creative approach, and accountability.

• Involve the team. Teamwork is the best tool in the toolbox. When people work as a team they feel motivated, not isolated. Team effort creates energy, and energy generates productivity.

• Communicate. Make sure each team member knows what to expect. Surprises may lead to rumors, gossip and confusion. Communication clearly defines expectations and applauds accomplishment. Remember too, communication is two-way street.

Integrity: Ethics in business

• Business ethics is best described as integrity. In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey writes, “One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, we build the trust of those who are present.”

• Be honest to your self first. Oprah Winfrey, in her interview with Good Housekeeping, states, “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.”

• The news is replete with stories of fraud, embezzlement, lies, and cover-ups. Declining values happen as a slow fade, not a fall off a cliff. Shaky companies are often the product of shady leadership.

Jim Laudell is a public speaker who travels to 35 states and 12 foreign to share his expertise on relationships and leadership. He is author of four books; his latest is Touchtalks.  Send your comments to jlaudell@sbcglobal.net.