Better Every Day: Leading Change from the Ground Up

“Persistent systemic action often bends the system toward better. And better is up to us.”  ~ Seth Godin

In the late 1970s, business was shifting fast. Old models were failing, and leaders were searching for a better way. After being fired at 42, Tom Melohn bought a struggling California tool-and-die company. It was underperforming, disengaged, and stuck in outdated thinking.

Melohn didn’t overhaul equipment—he rebuilt the culture. He treated employees and customers as partners, shared responsibility, recognized contributions, and focused on trust. Over time, performance followed.

Within a few years, absenteeism was below every average in the industry and profits were up by 700%. You can read the full story in his book The New Partnership: Profit by Bringing Out the Best in Your People, Customers, and Yourself.

Whether you’re leading a crew or managing multiple sites, the lesson is clear: progress is built daily. It starts with you. Nothing changes until you do. One of the big changes Melohn did was changed the culture by inserting himself into the fabric. He gained respect, trust and eventually was able to empower his team to make even more changes that brought more success

As Jim Rohn said, “If you will change, everything will change for you.”

Be steady. Be intentional. Be better.

~Jeff