In these uncertain times we’re all super focused and working as hard as possible.  But is that the right thing to do? Maybe it’s time to stop a while and smell the roses before barreling down the road. 

Back in 2000 I faced a very difficult comeback in business. A project on which I’d bet it all cratered during the 9/11 crisis leaving me with little more than a business in name only. Devastated, my first instinct was to pick myself up, dust myself off and get back in the game – quickly. 

I instead fought that instinct and after picking myself up and dusting myself off, I sat a while in order to think.  For two weeks I thought long and hard about the factors behind what put me in that ditch and only then did I turn my attention to what it was I really wanted to do with the rest of my career. Now when you’re business is down and out that’s a lot of time to stay still…but it’s the best investment I ever made. 

By stopping I killed any false momentum I’d built over the years and took the time to figure out where it is I really WANTED as well as needed to go.  Too often we make decisions out of need and compromise our life’s desires and that’s OK in the short term.  But true happiness comes when you take the time to combine the two and find your true path. 

D-Biker

We bikers have a saying that there are two types of riders, those that have laid them down and those that will.  The same can be said for business. 

What we’ve experienced in our economy is a very public group wipeout.  Imagine if you will that instead these very large and very public companies running into trouble we were watching them one by one wipe out on their bikes. 

To be sure, the news media would immediately begin posting stories about the dangers of motorcycling, the need to slow down, yada yada yada.  But the rest of us, the true bikers would simply look at what occurred, rationalize the mistakes they made, lift our kickstands and keep on riding.

So why, I ask, is it so f’ing difficult to do the same thing in business? 

Just because a bunch of greedy and highly idiotic individuals decided to wipe out doesn’t mean that the rest of us are going to as well.  Yes, I’m well aware of the trickle down effect of these large companies dying on the economy, but that’s not my point.  My point is that the quicker we accept the new state of affairs, the quicker we can get back on the road doing what we do. 

The fear should now be gone.  There’s no need to wait for another business shoe to drop because like bikers, they always do.  I don’t know about you, but I’m strapping on my helmet and riding on with the same intensity and passion as before.  Hope you do the same. 

In difficult times we tend to look outside our companies for insight and assistance and that’s a good thing.  However, when doing so it’s vitally important that you maintain your inner confidence in order to better filter the information you receive rather than accept it as gospel.  Here why…

Too often I’ve watch consultants walk into an organization and in a matter of hours begin spouting ‘absolute statements’.  “They tell you that this person needs to go or you need to change that…”  Statements based on nothing more than a bit of anecdotal evidence obtained through conversation blended in with what they’ve seen through past experiences.  In other words, they’re giving you their OPINION. 

I find this beyond dangerous.  Sure, a fresh set of eyes is important, but unless they are in your organization on a regular basis they do not have all the information.  Even if you’ve spent hours telling your side of the story, it’s only YOUR side of the story.  Even the smallest amount of information you omit DOES make a difference.

Other questions to ask when considering this feedback is what is their agenda?  Do they have even the slightest connection to anyone in the organization other than you?  Or as I like to say, “Do they have a dog in the fight?”

Remember – we’re all human and the advice we offer is the sum total of our experiences.  Meaning everyone’s feedback is tainted to some degree so it’s your job to determine just how much. 

Dwain

The Biker Guy

April 09

As always – This is just my opinion, I could be wrong.  So, if you disagree or simply want to pile on, please do so either here on the BLOG or email me directly at Navigator@BikersGuidetoBusiness.Com  I look forward to hearing from you.