Great leaders of great companies are focused on execution. And they get things done—whether they “like” doing them or not. Is that true for you?
Are there certain things on your “do list” for your growing business that somehow never make it to the top of the list? No matter how long you’ve had that list, there are one or two “ugly” things that always end up on the bottom. It’s not that these things are unimportant. That’s not why they keep ending up on the bottom (undone) part of your list.
Those things are ending up undone because you’re avoiding them. There are ten less-important things that you’d rather do than face that one ugly task. Some of us don’t like to deal with personnel issues. We don’t like confrontation, or we don’t like breaking bad news to people. Some of us hate to deal with financial issues and budgets. It’s not our strength and we’re afraid of getting it wrong. Some of us avoid long-term planning because it “cramps our free-wheeling style.” Others of us flee from technology because we just don’t get it and we’re afraid we’ll look foolish or out-of-touch.
There are lots of reasons to avoid things in business. Some are valid reasons. Some aren’t. Regardless of what you’re avoiding and why, there are two questions you have to ask yourself:
How is your avoidance affecting you and your business? What’s the impact on productivity or morale if you consistently ignore a real personnel problem because it makes you uncomfortable? What’s the impact on your bottom line if you don’t budget properly and continually run short on cash? What happens if you suddenly find yourself facing a great opportunity, but can’t take advantage of it because you didn’t plan for growth?
What are you doing about it now? More often than not, we avoid doing things because we don’t know how to do them well. Somehow, we think we need to be Superman or Wonder Woman when it comes to business—that we ought to be able to do everything and do it well. That’s a myth. If you don’t know how to do something, find someone who does and ask for help. Maybe you’ll need to pay for it, but stack that up against what it will cost your company if you don’t (not to mention what it will do to your mental health).
What are you avoiding? Why? What resources would help you address the things you’re avoiding?
BTW—Speaking of resources, here’s a great tool for helping you stay on top of your to-do list.
Need help growing your business? With over 35 years of experience and thousands of companies assisted, Chuck Kocher and The Transformation Company can help you scale your business into a truly exceptional business capable of high growth strategies. Businesses are always changing, don’t let yours be left behind. Stand out with our business and executive leadership programs – designed to challenge and improve your business. Your business will thank you for it. Contact me today for a free consultation! 719-339-9505