If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes

My wife started saying, “If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes” around New Year’s. She shared it with our family to help us rethink how we would take on 2022. It got my attention, but it wasn’t till the third time hearing it that I thought, “Oh no! I don’t have a new plan for the things I want to change. This is not good!”

I have asked our employees to choose a word for the new year for a few years. I wanted people to think about how they would bring it to fruition. What must you do differently this year? How are you going to be intentional? Will this word impact your behavior?

I shared on LinkedIn how 2021 almost broke me. I confessed the same thing to my company. Every area of my life was being attacked. My dad, hero, and mentor experienced a spinal cord injury that has left him partially paralyzed and utterly dependent on 24/7 care. (Ultimately, my Dad passed away in March of '23)

I’ve tried to help my Mom and Dad during this difficult time but haven’t done so well. I had to try to find a balance in my personal life, keep a focus on CCB, launch IOL with Steve Scherer , watch employees leave, strategize to keep employees, keep management united, and hire a new VP of Finance all while trying not to break while the world crashed around me.

How did I make it? My faith. My family. My friends. My management team. Thankfully I have surrounded myself with crucial people who show up when needed.

I had no idea what 2022 would bring, but it can’t be worse than 2021!

However, I already had someone resign the day before our company kick-off in '22, so how would I help show my heart for employees to stay with me? If nothing changes, then nothing changes! That kept ringing in my head. So here is what I did…

I offered all employees who stay with us through the end of the year a $1,000 bonus to be paid out before Christmas. Also, I offered to shut down the company from December 23rd-January 1st if all departments hit their goals. We win as a team and celebrate together.

I’ve never offered a Christmas bonus for staying all year. It was new! It was different! I wanted people to know that I am trying to help show my appreciation for them as employees who helped me get through this rebuilding year. My word for 2022 was “REBUILD.”

What can you do as a leader to help bring passion, appreciation, and excitement to your team? Life is short, so don’t play it safe. Take chances on showing your team how much you appreciate them.

You are not alone as a leader! It feels lonely sometimes, but surround yourself with other leaders who can inspire you to grow and lead well.

Set up a time with me, and let’s assemble a strategy for the next 12 months.

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