ther
words, it is not that you are good or bad, it is just that
if you are so confused, and you spend time fighting each
other instead of dealing with the external threat, you have
just provided victory for the enemy.
The reality of winning by default can be very well
illustrated by the experience of one of my overseas speaking
engagements. In December 1997, I had the privilege of
addressing the top management of Dell Computers, one of the
fastest growing computer giants in the world. In response to
how the competitors reacted to Dell's business strategy,
Michael Dell, the founding CEO remarked. "Are we really that
good?" Or have they all fouled up!"
It appears that what Dell Computers do is not particularly
earth-shakening. It has not patented any new product nor
technology. Rather, it created a different way of marketing
computers -- through the Internet.
In doing so, it not only eliminates the middlemen, but it
also allows what I call mass customisation. This is because
the consumer can order his computer through the Internet by
indicating his own specifications for the product. It will
then be manufactured and delivered to his home/office within
days!
In the same way, in the early days of Singapore's economic
development, we won in a big way because many other
economies in the region were busy with other priorities. As
a result, we were able to attract a lot of foreign
investment.
However, as more and more Asian economies opened
themselves to the outside world, competition has become very
tough. With the recent economic and financial crisis facing
Asia, the challenges ahead are even more demanding and
difficult.
This is where Singaporeans must remain more united to face
the rougher times ahead. We should rally ourselves around
our government and ensure that our economy can withstand the
turmoils ahead. It is not a time to relax or to blame each
other. Rather, we must learn to trust our leaders and stay
united.
Remember what Sun Tzu said about confusion and suspicion.
They will lead to disunity, cause erosion of our
competitiveness and provide victory to our competitors!
(The writer is Professor of Business Policy; Dean, Faculty
of Business Administration; Director, Graduate School of
Business National University of Singapore & a resource
panellist of SPH's Chinese Newspapers.)
