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© 2010, © 2011 LARRY BROUGHTON, All rights reserved.
Inaction is a common reaction to not knowing what step to take next. It’s far easier and less risky to procrastinate and do nothing, than taking the “wrong” step. Right? Wrong! Doing nothing, or carrying on without taking risks or making changes will stunt your personal & professional growth. Take that first teeny-tiny step, then another, and you’ll find it gets easier to take chances and make changes once you have some momentum. So is doing nothing really easier or less risky than taking action? It might be easier in terms of decision-making, but it won’t help you reach your goals any faster—in fact, quite the opposite. Be honest with yourself. Is taking action and calculated risks an essential part of your daily diet?
Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered. ~ Dr. Suess
There are plenty of examples of bosses, leaders and organizations who fall short of their potential, and never meet the expectations of those in their charge. Scott Adams has made a living pointing these folks out with his wildly popular Dilbert character. Just as often, however, there are those who get stuck in a loop of inaction, for fear of falling short of perfection. The pursuit of excellence, not perfection, should be the goal of every organization and leader. With that in mind, here are 7 keys that will unlock the potential found in every organization.
1. Capture the hearts and minds of all team members & clients with a unique and compelling vision. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
2. Encourage open communication between all levels of the organization.
3. Create partnerships between all team members built upon trust, equality, and sharing.
4. Drive learning into every nook and cranny of the organization.
5. Emancipate & reward the action of every team member to increase service and profits. (Watch Dibert’s experience with rewards and bonuses before going on.)
6. Value an appropriate balance between work and family. The single greatest element of high-energy living is finding and respecting that “balance.”
7. Celebrate & have fun! When you stop laughing, you stop thinking. When you stop thinking, you stop learning.
I am the customer!
You’re not just an entrepreneur, leader or executive – you’re a consumer. With that in mind, how often do you use your own insights to fuel improvements in your business? It helps to imagine what you, as a consumer, would expect from your own business – from excellent customer service right through to the look and feel of your brand and marketing initiatives. How often do you challenge your team (and yourself for that matter) to think from your client & customers’ point of view? It’s in the small, daily actions and interactions that your organization builds its profile and reputation in the community. The next time you face an organizational challenge, or you want to rejuvenate the mood in your organization, think like your customer.
