LIME =Less Internal More External

In the intricate dance of business, especially within large organizations, it’s ???????? ???? ???????????? ???????????????? ???? ?????? ??????????????—those cold, unblinking numbers that dictate our every move. Market share, acquisition rates, growth projections, key KPIs, forecast attainment, and budget alignment—all of these are critical. After all, ?????? ??????'?? ???????????? ???????? ?????? ??????'?? ??????????????, and without a keen eye on the data, you ???????? ?????????????? ??????????.

?????? ????????’?? ?????? ??????????: if we spend too much time crunching numbers and dissecting data, we risk losing sight of the very thing that drives those numbers in the first place—the market itself. And in sales, this disconnect can be disastrous. It’s like a gardener so focused on analyzing the soil that they forget to water the plants. The field—our customers, our partners, the very people we’re meant to serve—becomes an abstract concept, distant and removed from our daily actions.

That’s why my team across SMB Americas recently coined a simple but powerful acronym: ????????—???????? ????????????????, ???????? ??????????????l. ?????? ??????, ???? ???? ???????? ?????? ????????????????! LIME is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a rallying cry, a call to arms. It’s a reminder that if we spend too much time looking inward, we lose sight of the world outside where the real work happens. ???? ???????? ?????? ????????????, ???? ???????? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ????????????. To educate, drive strategy, and influence, we have to roll up our sleeves and get out there—with our teams, with our partners, and with our customers.

So while the numbers may tell us where we've been, it’s our ???????????????? ???? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ????’???? ??????????. And the next time we find ourselves knee-deep in another spreadsheet, let’s remember that ???? ???????????????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ?? ????????. LIME—it’s how we remind ourselves to stay in the game and keep our eyes firmly on the prize.

With this in mind, here are some key lessons and pieces of guidance for navigating both business and life:

1. Focus on What You Can Control

In any situation, there are factors beyond your control. The key is to focus your energy on what you can influence, whether it’s your own performance, the attitude you bring, or the effort you put in. Worrying about what’s outside your control wastes energy—channel it into what you can change.

2. Fail Forward

Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey. Every setback is a lesson in disguise, and the faster you can learn from it, the quicker you’ll grow. Think of failure as feedback, not a verdict. It’s about how you respond to the fall, not the fall itself.

3. Relationships Matter More Than Transactions

In business, people tend to focus on deals, numbers, and the bottom line. But in reality, it’s the relationships you build that create lasting impact. Trust, authenticity, and genuine connections often open doors that metrics can’t. Invest in people, not just business. Seek to serve and all falls into place.

4. Embrace the Uncomfortable

Growth rarely happens in the comfort zone. The more you stretch yourself—whether it’s by taking on a new challenge, learning a new skill, or stepping into unfamiliar territory—the more you grow. Discomfort is a signal that you’re expanding. Lean into it. Confusion is the first sign of growth!

5. Clarity of Purpose

Know your “why.” Whether in business or life, having a clear sense of purpose is your North Star. It will guide you through difficult decisions and keep you focused when the path gets murky. When you know why you’re doing something, the how becomes clearer.

6. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in constantly responding to the urgent. But long-term success comes from being proactive—thinking ahead, setting a plan, and anticipating challenges. Don’t just react to the moment; take ownership of where you’re going.

7. Adaptability is Your Superpower

In a world that’s constantly changing, the ability to adapt is essential. Whether it’s a shift in market dynamics or unexpected life events, flexibility and resilience will allow you to pivot and stay relevant. Being adaptable isn’t just about surviving change; it’s about thriving through it.

8. Don’t Just Measure, Act

Like I mentioned earlier, data is crucial—you can't manage what you don't measure. But don’t let analysis lead to paralysis. Metrics are a tool, not the goal. Use them to make informed decisions, but remember that action is what drives results. Get out of the numbers and into the field.

9. Stay Humble, Stay Hungry

No matter how far you climb, never lose sight of your hunger for learning and growth. Stay curious, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who challenge you. At the same time, humility will keep you grounded and open to new perspectives.

These lessons are all about growth, staying grounded, and making progress—whether in the boardroom or in life’s personal challenges. Keep learning, stay curious, and never lose sight of the bigger picture.

Think2Thrive