Path of Thorns

One problem after another.  Sometimes it seems that people are trying to make it harder on you.

They aren’t.

They are just looking out for themselves.  And if you can find a way for your business to give them what they want, they will be happy and you’ll get what you want.

Can you do that?

Kree Ate Tiv Itty

Bedder meanz diferint & evreething nu wuz wonce difrint.

R U kre8tiv?  Du yu enkurige it frum the Teem?  Or du u schut themm doun & tel em 2 stik 2 the waaay itz bin dun?

Knee JERK reactions

As a leader, some employees will try to play you for their own petty agendas and insecurities.

Listen, but resist believing what they say wholesale.  Talk to the other side.  Feel it out some.  Know who is giving you information and how they communicate.  Sometimes, all you have to do is listen – nothing more.  Other times you must get on it right away. 

Get more information to know the difference – lest you make a big people mistake.

Seize the reins

As the leader, you are responsible for the outcome of the organization.  Various parts may function better or worse – but it is up to you to make sure all are treated fairly, value is delivered, and that the finances come out right.

Seize the reins.

Delegating honesty

You can’t.  Don’t try.

Assuming what is, is right

Is there an assumption in your organization that everything you are doing is right?

You may have a blind spot for the seeds of innovation and change.

What are you doing, and may have been doing a long time, that’s not exactly right, current, effective or working?

Paid Volunteers

“I’m just here for the money” never got a great performance out of anyone.  Employees have a choice to work anywhere – especially the best ones.  They VOLUNTEER to work at your company. 

Treat employees like you would a volunteer who does it because they feel good about it; they feel respected, valued and like they are doing something important.

It sounds crazy, but if you didn’t pay your employees, would they want to stay if they could?

Your Relationship Account

They say that if you can write a check to solve a problem, it’s not a problem.

What about your relationships?  Have you made enough deposits with people that if you needed help – any help – that you could make a phone call to a friend or associate and solve the problem?

Short Attention Span Society

A million things to do – I know.  But you can’t do anything meaningful or great in 30 seconds.

How long can you sit down and focus on something without interruption?

Discover what’s possible

Knowing what’s possible for your organization drives enthusiasm and hope and action.

Keep looking for examples of what’s possible for you and your business.  Or make it up.

What’s possible for you?