by Gayle Lantz
Sometimes you can become so good at working around obstacles that you don’t even see them anymore.
You jump over hurdles at work every day as though they’re not even there. And if you happen to trip, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going.
At other times, obstacles are all you can see. If you’re like many executives and business owners I work with, these obstacles force you to rethink your business, more frequently under current economic conditions.
You used to work a plan, but now you feel like you’re racing for survival or, if you’re lucky, simply trying to gain a competitive edge. Either way your obstacle course has become more complicated!
What does your business obstacle course look like?
Maybe you're making things more difficult than they need to be.
It’s easy to generate a “to do” list of all the new ideas you’d like to implement or try. But adding to your plate is tough when it’s already full.
Companies that truly want to get ahead, spend time assessing what’s not working. And they actually DO something about it. They eliminate or change bad business practices that hold them back to clear space for new best practices to emerge.
Take a closer look at the processes in your business that might actually impede your progress. They’re there. You may not even notice them any more.
Action Challenge:
- Identify two or three main problem areas in your business. This week ask your team to identify specific aspects of the business that need to be discontinued or completely revamped. Look for processes, systems, behaviors, practices, etc. that don’t work anymore, even if they worked in the past.
- Prioritize your list. Note the items that, if addressed, would make the most significant impact in your business.
- Address the biggest problem. Ask for help from your team or other resources to tackle the biggest problem. Identify one specific action your team can take to solve the problem or create improvement.
Whether you need to get rid of a few outdated management practices or you need to clear the slate and start over from scratch, be willing to let go so you can grow.
As I say in my book, Take the Bull by the Horns, leaders are good at getting rid of those things that get in their way or hold them back.
Do what you need to do. Let go of the arduous process, eliminate wasteful spending or ditch the fear-based mindset.
Destroy the weeds in your business. Spring is the season for business growth!
PS – Looking for a good business improvement idea? Read my latest blog post:
On the Lighter Side
"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."
~ Frank A. Clark
Leadership Resource
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My new book, Take the Bull by the Horns: The Busy Leader's Action Guide to Growing Your Business…and Yourself, is a great leadership tool to help you achieve your biggest business and personal goals.
Order the print copy and/or audio program today to help you and your team take charge in 2009!
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