Getting a Do-Over - I Would Focus on the People—Not the Paper (Part Trois)

Getting a Do-Over - I Would Focus on the People—Not the Paper (Part Trois)

AS A BUSINESS OWNER, I have always been deeply interested in ensuring we provide excellent service to our clients, that we operate efficiently as an organization, and that we provide a culture in which individuals can succeed. It seems like a simple concept: a team that works reputably, efficiently, and positively. It’s an easy philosophy to grasp but a difficult one to implement. Why? Because people are involved!

So often we fail to embrace the motivations of the individuals, focusing instead only on the desired outcome.

One thing DeAnn said she wishes she would have done on the job is spend more time networking within her own company. If she had interfaced with members of other departments, she would have learned what motivated them. This knowledge would have made it easier for them to work together to develop solutions, eliminating interdepartmental stress and territorial issues. This is a great insight.

In the business-management book First, Break All the Rules, Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman give great advice for CEOs and mothers alike:

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (James 2:13)

As you prepare to go into the office (or the kitchen), reconsider what’s behind the bad attitude, sloppy work habits, or territorial protection. Maybe spending more time problem solving together will eliminate that knot in your stomach.