Ever tried Acupuncture? I used to make fun of it until one day my back went out and I had so much pain I could only lay on the floor and cry (not the most manly moment in my life). My wife helped me to the car and drove me to a local Acupuncturist. I was even more skeptical as we pulled up and noticed it was sitting between a Donut shop and a Hookah store. Anyway, it worked enough for me to sit up again, and after a few more visits the pain was completely gone!
Sometimes we need to have enough pain to try something different. You’ve heard the expression that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result. I meet with lots of business owners who are willing to keep doing the same thing with the same team and hoping that some how this year will give them better results. Ask yourself if you have enough pain to finally try something else.
People make decisions on emotion and then justify it with facts. So when I talk to potential candidates for membership in our Peer to Peer Advisory Groups, I ask them lots of questions to find out what is causing them frustration, challenges or worry (pain). It’s easy to put a price tag on these issues and then compare it to the value of our groups and the cost of membership. This process lets me see what matters most to them, and for them to see that its time for a change.
Here are some things I’ve seen that helped leaders make the change they have pushed off too long. You may have others so please share them in the comment section below.
Assess your current situation:
There are great tools that can give you an objective view of your business and team so you can see where to focus your efforts. I use the Value Builder System (created by John Warrillow) to help business owners see the current value of their business and where to invest their limited resources to add the most value. I can give you a summary report if you want to see what your business value is today. Click this link to take this 15 minute assessment: Value Builder System.
Listen to your team:
If you ask enough questions, and are open to their response, and will act on their input, your team will tell you what you need to do. Too many leaders are not willing to ask because they really don’t want to know the answer. Your team is closest to the customers, the processes, the problems, and the opportunities. If you have trouble getting them to open up due to past issues I can help you to fix that.
Measure results:
Be willing to set the ROI of all your efforts and be willing to remove any sacred cows or pet projects that aren’t performing to expectations. I have seen too many leaders who are willing to accept poor results because the plan was their idea, or it’s their buddy providing the services and they don’t have the heart to cut them loose. You expect measured results from your team, demand it of yourself as well!
Move Fast – your competition is:
It’s wise to evaluate your options before making a decision but set deadlines so things get done. I have met with business owners who tell me they need to get this or that done, and yet a year later they still have not completed the task. Think how much more profit you would have if you just implemented the things you know you need to do. Then with all that money you can hire more people and have time to launch than new division or enjoy more time with the family. Make a plan, be accountable to a deadline and schedule, and get it done!
Find the support you need to make that change now:
It’s lonely at the top and we all need the encouragement to get things done. Our group members meet each month to challenge and motivate each other to reach our own personal and professional goals. You need to find people you trust and can be transparent with about the challenges and opportunities you face as the leader of your company. It can be with us or whoever you feel safe and confident in, but everyone should have this resource to help you move forward and see the change you want.
Call me for more information about our REF and how this can help you do things you’ve never done before. Contact me at RobertH@REFDallas.com or (469) 269 – 5148.
by Robert Hunt
ABOUT ROBERT HUNT
I am a Forum Leader and Business Partner for REF Dallas. My role is to find the best members for our CEO Peer Groups, then lead each meeting so that our members become Raving Fans. You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.