Sales are down. Profits are below budget. Margins are being squeezed. “But why?” you ask and in return you hear, “It’s the downturn,” “Its … these markets” or even “It’s the recession.” Are you hearing this from your divisional heads or business unit leaders? How do you know weak business performance is really due to the market downturn? How do you know, the market downturn is not being used as an excuse for poor management? - Athol Williams - Read more