Change - Part 10

When was the last time you looked up? You are in the trenches every day – digging, digging, digging – have you taken a break to be sure you are digging in the right direction, have you taken time to reassess? Sometimes we get so focused on one objective that we forget that sometimes we need to change. It may be the direction, the pace, the type of shovel you are using or that the reason you started digging in the first place no longer exists.

Throughout my career I have leaned on outsiders to help advise me. Friends, colleagues, and family have had a tremendous impact on the changes I have made. A third party, objective perspective on what I might not see right in front of me. There is value in bringing someone in to look under the hood with you. They may simply confirm your path, or they might suggest changes you can make that you have not considered.

Professionally this could be a consultant, your CPA, attorney and even your vendors. All of which will gladly provide their insight, some free and some paid, to help you be successful, it is a win-win. Vendors especially can provide insight into a particular space or provide a picture of what they see happening industry wide. The biggest value here, in my opinion, is that you are showing that you value the part they play in the success of your company.

The same applies for your employees, step one in any change initiative is listening, when was the last time you sat down and listened to your employees? You will gain insights and build respect through a mutually respectful relationship.

The only caveat I have here is to let them know you are listening and not that you necessarily are going to do what they share with you. One of my vivid memories of my parents was when I asked my father for some guidance on a business issue I was having, he listened and provided his insight and guidance, it was extremely helpful. However, I did not do what he said to do, I used his insight as a measure against my final decision. Weeks later my mother pulled me aside to say that my father was disappointed that I did not take his advice and why did I even ask in the first place. So, make sure you set up some ground rules first.

You can always change while you are on your path, be sure to stop, look up and reassess as you go.

Signed,

Change (Let’s get it done)