One unpleasant challenge in the winter are those dry, cracked hands we get because of the lack of moisture that results from washing our hands more than normal and the lack of humidity in the outside air. The furnace drying out the air does not help either.

It is amazing how much those small, little cracks in our hands can bother us. Just like a paper cut, even though they are typically quite small, they can be quite disruptive. It makes it more difficult to open a jar or pick up something. How can such a small irritant create such discomfort? Webmed.com suggests that the best prevention is to begin using moisturizer before the dryness and cracking occurs or to get ahead of the problem by using moisturizer so it does not get worse.

Such is the case with an operational challenge within our Companies. It may really be quite small but it can create havoc and disruption. So, the best prevention is to become more aware of what issues can cause “cracks” in how you do business. For example: paying attention when there are errors and customer complaints and immediately addressing what is causing them will reduce long term frustration.

Just like we cannot completely avoid the dry skin that results from winter, we cannot avoid operational issues arising. It is what we do with those issues that can cause more grief than necessary.

Need help to understand what operational issues are impacting your Company? Take our FREE, four assessments by registering at www.mycooresources.com so you can minimize the “cracks” that come from those issues.

Questions? Do not hesitate to contact me at CharleneA@mycooresources.com. Also, check out our blogs and previous newsletters and/or emails at http://www.mycooresources.com/?page_id=324