look at the bigger picture to solve problems

listen if you are on the move

There once was a farmer who grew exceptional corn.  Each year the Corn Growers Association honoured him with first prize for the highest quality corn.

A local newspaper reporter interviewed him on the secret of him success.  Whilst keeping a little of the information under his wide brimmed hat, the farmer volunteered the fact that every year he shared his seed corn with the neighbouring farms.

“Why would you share your seed corn with your competitors?” Asked the journalist.  “Aren’t you just making your job harder?”

“Why Sir, no”, replied the farmer.  “As part of the growing cycle the wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field.  If you flew above us, you would see how interconnected the farmland is.  If my neighbours grow inferior corn, the cross pollination will steadily degrade my crop and result in an inferior yield.  In order for me to grow a great crop, I need my neighbours to grow a great crop too.”

In the last year COVID has forced a change in the way that organisations cooperate. Sharing supply chains, working together on common problems, recognising that we share a common goal, rather than always competing. We are programmed to exploit our competitive advantage and to see our success in terms of our own bottom line, and not that of the market.  Sometimes we need to take a step back and be aware of the bigger picture: can achieve even greater success is we see the wider picture and grow the common good.

At North Bailey we are experienced in taking the ‘helicopter view’ and seeing the bigger picture looking outside the immediate problem and looking at interconnected problems.

We bring fresh perspective and critical thinking along with a wealth of knowledge.  We are provocative, challenge convention, ask the difficult questions and allow you to see your business and the marketplace in which you operate from a different perspective.

Let us improve your yield.

Published by Andrew Mann

Managing Partner at NorthBailey. Having had senior marketing & insight roles at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Coop and M&S, I'm now using my experience & network to solve strategic marketing problems for NorthBailey clients

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