Business Through Rose-Colored Glasses
January 7, 2010 | Leave a Comment
“I know what I need to know” means you don’t know what you don’t know. Confused? Every day business CEO’s fail to make the changes and improvements needed to grow, or even survive because they think they know what they don’t. They confuse momentary good fortune with skill, and then make excuses for decline or lack of growth. They see their role as the one who should know it all, and then think they do. They resist change, holding on to past practices and people when the contrary is needed. They allow the needs of the one or the few to outweigh the needs of the many. They resist outside help or worse yet, ask for it and ignore the advice given. They look at their business, and all that impacts it, through their own rose colored glasses, and in the process fail to allow the business to reach its potential.
Your business is like your body. The healthier you are, the better you can perform. Those that take their health seriously listen to medical advice, get regular checkups, and employ exercise and eating habits tailored to their needs. These individuals live better because they feel and perform better. They live longer because they contract fewer ailments and identify other diseases early enough to be treated. They study, they get good advice, and they apply what they learn. Businesses are exactly the same. Those that thrive get good seasoned advice, challenge the status quo, and continually look in the mirror to see what could be improved. They learn from experts, both internally and externally, and they act accordingly. They know that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one, and they apply that philosophy throughout their business life.
Businesses that die or fail to reach their potential are like most people when it comes to personal health. They run from day to day, allowing the fire of the moment to consume them. They get further and further out of shape over time. They think about improving, but push it off until they are less busy, which never occurs. They don’t seek advice, or simply ignore the advice given, preferring to self-medicate. Then, once they are in real trouble, they seek help only to find out it is too late.
If you are a CEO, my challenge to you is to be the healthy business. Be the company that employs regular checkups with qualified talent and follows quality advice for optimal health. Look in the mirror, challenge yourself and team to excel. Grow your business to its potential and be the best employer possible for your employees and your community.
