Posted by Brent Hearn on Wed, Mar 13, 2013 @ 11:05 PM
Whether or not you agree with the claims, viewpoints, and advice that Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg offers in her new book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, one thing is beyond debate: This is a woman who knows how to make waves.
Clearly, people listen when Sandberg speaks. At the writing of this article, the book has already spent 20 days in the top 100 on Amazon. It's only been out for two days, so you do the math. It was number one before even being released.
Although boiling down an entire philosophy or book can be problematic at best, the central message that Sandberg is broadcasting is this: Women tend to shortchange their career potential -- albeit unintentionally -- in their pursuit of the ever-precarious work/life balance. Sandberg's philosophy is no mere retread; more than a simple book on business tips for women, it's her take on an underlying problem many women face in the workplace and how to fix it.
In her view, many women tend to "lean back" from their careers as they become ready to start bearing children, thus limiting their success in the workplace. Her approach -- the "lean in" Sheryl Sandberg is talking about -- is one that encourages an altered, more empowered approach to achieving career goals and the support system to make doing so more achievable.
The movement is a marriage of the global and the local and also of the virtual and the real world. Sandberg wants women to start their own "Lean In Circles," which are basically small groups of women who support and bolster one another's goals by meeting and sharing with one another in person. The fact that women can organize and stay connected to these groups online shouldn't be surprising, considering she's arguably the most powerful woman in the world of social media.
Of course, any new voice in the debate of gender politics is going to meet with opposition, and understandably so. It's a hot-button issue, and no matter one's viewpoint, there are going to be vehement opinions voiced from those who disagree. And when the voice adding to the conversation belongs to a person, especially (I mean, let's be honest) a woman who is as high profile as Sandberg, those opposing opinions are going to be voiced all the more loudly. A couple of bits of criticism she's getting from her detractors:
- She's ascended to the heights of success that she has so quickly (she's only 43) largely on the coattails of successful men.
- A privileged, Harvard-educated woman is not the ideal spokesperson for a working mother struggling to make ends meet.
While one could make a valid case that there is at least some valid reasoning behind some of the criticism -- and whether or not one agrees with it -- it's hard to argue that her heart isn't in the right place. In her own words:
"Together, we can break down the stereotypes that hold us all back, making our organizations more productive and our homes happier. Together, we can create a world where everyone—women and men, girls and boys—has true choice and equal opportunity to follow his or her dreams."
Inspiring words from a bold woman. While some would say that the fact that she's getting so much attention for daring to say them is perhaps an indictment on how far our society has to go on giving women their due in the workplace, the fact that she has the platform to say it and the audience to listen gives many cause for hope. But will the attention translate to more U.S. women daring to "lean in"? Sheryl Sandberg hopes so.
Have you read the book? If so, tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Image credit: Financial Times
Posted by Brent Hearn on Wed, Mar 06, 2013 @ 06:14 PM
Once upon a time, the Blackberry was a status symbol in the business world. Having a Blackberry (or "Crackberry," as they were so often referred to) meant you were a person on the go -- someone with important places to go and important things to do. You were a Person of Consequence.
Enter the iPhone. The iPhone changed everyone's perceptions of what a cellular device could do. Physical keyboard? The iPhone don't need no stinkin' physical keyboard! What's up with the tiny screens? The iPhone has a huge screen! Blackberry saw its market shares plummet as Apple not only revolutionized, but redefined, the mobile industry.
The good news (except for Apple) was that the iPhone has proven to be vulnerable to rivals. The bad news for Blackberry is that its major rival isn't Blackberry. Though Apple still has a larger percentage of total mobile subscribers than Samsung (37.8% to 21.4% as of January 2013, according to a comScore survey), it is now playing catch-up to Google when it comes to platform. Apple has 37.8% of the market share, while Google's Android has 52.3%. Meanwhile, Blackberry sits at a relatively paltry 5.9%.
Blackberry hopes to change these numbers with the introduction of its new addition to the smartphone race: the Blackberry Z10. Gone are the smaller screen and the physical keyboard. At first glance, the Z10 looks a lot like...well, an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy. And according to this chart, the comparisons extend beyond just the look. Though there are differences, the Z10 seems to be intent on competing with the smartphone giants on their terms.
So when will the Blackberry Z10 BE here, exactly? Well, that's a good question. And it's one that Blackberry still hasn't given a definitive answer to. Though it's already been released elsewhere internationally, it's supposed to be in the U.S....sometime in March.
Before it's even released in the U.S., there are already signs that the Z10 is going to be facing an uphill battle. European retailers are cutting prices of the device already in what appears to be an effort to combat sluggish sales. And Sprint has announced it will not carry the Z10, opting instead to carry only the Q10 (with a QWERTY keyboard).
Will these setbacks keep the Z10 from being the product that brings Blackberry back into the hunt for mobile domination? Or are they just minor bumps in the road? One can speculate all day long, but the truth of the matter is that it's too early to tell.
Do you think the Z10 could signify the return of Blackberry? Would you consider buying one? Tell THINQ in the comments!
Image credit: Jon Fingas
Posted by Brent Hearn on Wed, Feb 27, 2013 @ 06:57 PM
Are you guys ready? THINQ is about to get all mathematical on you!
The Pareto Principle. 80/20 Rule. Factor Sparsity. "The vital few and trivial many." These are all terms referring, more or less, the same mathematical phenomenon.
It all began--or rather, was recognized--in the early 20th century when an Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto observed that roughly 80% of the wealth was controlled by about 20% of the population. Lo and behold, others began to recognize that the 80/20 rule applies across a myriad of disciplines and situations. Roughly speaking (and assume that all the numbers in this post are roughly speaking), 20% of the causes generate 80% of the results. Here are just a few of the observed instances in the business world:
- 80% of the complaints come from 20% of the customers.
- 20% of the work on a project consumes 80% of the resources.
- 80% of the business comes from 20% of the customers.
Why is this so? What makes it so? What mathematical computations do I have to prove this phenomenon? The answers are "I don't know," "I don't know," and, "Ya gotta be kidding me, right?"
If you would like to enroll in some higher mathematics courses to understand the nuts and bolts of it all, be my guest. I don't pretend to comprehend all the physics behind what makes 70 tons of metal jet across the sky with the birdies, either, but I know it happens. You don't have to understand the reason something happens to accept the fact that it does happen.
So now that we've accepted that the Pareto Principle occurs, how does it affect your small business? Well, I'm glad you asked!
1. Focus, Focus, Focus!
Focus your energy, your time, and your resources on the customers who provide you with most business. Does this mean to ignore the little guy? Not at all. It just means to be realistic about where the meat and potatoes of your business come from. If 20% of your accounts are responsible for 80% of your profits, you'd better make darn sure you're taking good care of that 20%. You may have to flip-flop your thinking a bit. On the surface, it may not make sense to have the bulk of your staff tied down to a small percentage of your accounts. But if that small percentage is responsible for keeping your business afloat, it makes a LOT of sense.
2. Know When to Cut Them Loose
Don't let "The customer is always right" be a death knell for your productivity. If you have a customer who is consistently a problem -- if after a reasonable (or sometimes unreasonable) amount of effort, it's clear they cannot be satisfied -- you have to consider cutting them loose. If one impossible-to-please account is sucking up a disproportionate amount of your time (read: money), it's not fair to your business, your employees, or your other customers.
3. Invest in the Right People
If 20% of your employees are responsible for 80% of the results, then it's important to make sure those employees are given the resources to succeed. Invest in their training and their skill set, and make it clear with salary, benefits, and incentives that you value their contributions. If they succeed, you succeed.
Can you think of other ways you can apply the Pareto Principle/80-20 rule to your small business? Leave them in the comments!
Image credit: Olle Jonsson
Posted by Brent Hearn on Thu, Feb 21, 2013 @ 04:18 PM
Ah, remember the days before smartphones? Those days when we had to provide our own low-tech entertainment with paper clips and rubber bands? When "angry birds" referred to avian murderers in a Hitchcock film or profane gestures by irate drivers? When you couldn't find out nearly anything about nearly anything in the vast expanse of human knowledge within seconds by moving your fingers over keys that aren't even actually there?!
Yeah, I remember 'em, too. They were kind of a bummer.
But no more! Now we do have smartphones. And we have literally hundreds of thousands of applications to make them even more awesome. Except, of course, we don't call them "applications." They're "apps." (By the time you say the word "applications," it will be time to upgrade your phone!) And get this: Some of them can even be useful in your business! (I know, right? Who would have figured?) And we're not even talking about the ones you've heard about. Sure, document scanning and file sharing and other business-y apps are great, but let's look at the fun...the cool..the different. Your pals at THINQ are here with 3 weird apps that can make your work life easier.
1. Locale
Tired of forgetting to turn your ringer off when you walk into the office? Or forgetting to turn it on when you're in the car on the way to an appointment or when you're at home? With a little configuration, Locale ($9.99) is an Android app that uses the location features of your phone to do these tasks and much more. From immediately turning on your Wi-Fi when you need it to turning it and other battery-draining features off when your phone is low on juice, Locale does its part to put the "smart" in smartphone. You'll never have to worry about having that "Apple Bottom Jeans" ringtone blare during a meeting again!
2. Hopstop
There's a lot of stress associated with traveling on business in an unfamiliar city. That's where Hopstop comes in. Hopstop is a free app available for both iPhone and Android that "...provides door-to-door transit, walking, biking, taxi and hourly car rental directions in over 100 cities." An app that keeps you from getting lost and tells you the best mode of transit? Yes, please!
3. Bump
This gets the "No freakin' way this actually works...OH, WAIT--IT DOES!" award. Bump is a free app for Android and iPhone that allows you to share contact info, files, pictures, video, and more just by bumping hands (while they're holding your phones, of course) with someone else who has the app. Forget business cards; this is way more fun. This app allows fist-bumping to become a tool instead of making you look like one.
What other weird apps do you know of that THINQ could talk about in a future post? Let us know in the comments!
Image credit: Vinay
Posted by Brent Hearn on Thu, Feb 14, 2013 @ 09:47 AM
Ah, Valentine's Day! As it approaches, our hearts swell for those we hold dear. We think fondly of all we've shared together, and we dream of how the relationship can become even deeper and more meaningful. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to re-evaluate how we can be better for those whose esteem we hold in the highest regard.
I am talking, of course, about our customers.
Without customers, where would you be? They are the lifeblood of your small business; without them, you don't HAVE a business. So it stands to reason that you'd better show some love to them if you want them to reciprocate in this relationship. THINQ has a few ideas on how to love your customers on Valentine's Day and beyond. Just be sure to respect their boundaries, okay? Nobody likes a creeper.
Fix What's Wrong
Handling customer complaints in the appropriate manner is one of the most valuable customer service strategies there is. Dealing with a disgruntled customer is an art form, and it's one you'd better get good at if you want to maximize the success of your small business.
1. Listen. No, really listen. Ask them to tell you what's wrong and don't interrupt them. When they're done, repeat the information back to them in order to: 1) make sure you understand -- specifically understand--what they're saying, and 2) show them you were paying attention.
2. Focus on finding a solution instead of placing blame. If you determine that an error truly has been made by your business, apologize for it, reassure the customer that you will fix the problem, and then FIX IT. Fast.
Rely on Your Regulars
If you've managed to draw some regular customers, congratulations: You must be doing something right. In addition to providing a certain amount of reliable volume to your business, regulars provide great word-of-mouth advertising.
It's not uncommon for business owners to develop a more personal, one-on-one relationship with regulars. If you have that kind of relationship with some of your customers, it's a great way to do gather some intel on what your business can do better. Ask your regulars what they like about your products and services, specifically. What areas are you falling short? What would make them more likely to increase the amount of business they do with you? Reward their information (and their loyalty) with perks like product discounts and free shipping.
Fight for Them
If you know of customers that have stopped doing business with your company, don't just cut your losses. Contact them and let them know how much you have appreciated their business. Ask them why they left, and work with them to resolve the issue. You can't win 'em all back, but if you address their concerns and meet their needs, you can win some of 'em.
Can you think of other ways you can love your customers? Tell us about your customer service strategies in the comments!
Image credit: torbakhopper
Posted by Brent Hearn on Wed, Feb 06, 2013 @ 02:40 PM
Until recently, Microsoft devotees have had to sit idly by and watch as iPad led the rise of the tablet. Apple's iPad essentially created a new class of device -- and the market for it. Sure, iPad wasn't the first tablet, but many would argue that it was the first one that mattered.
But then in late 2012 came the Microsoft Surface RT. For a comparison of the RT and the iPad, check out out one of our posts on the topic.
And now, just a few months later, comes the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet, which is scheduled to be released on February 9th. So how does the Surface Pro stack up? Is it worth the cost? Will it be able to fill the needs of those looking to make their tablet their primary computing device? That's a lot of questions. And in true Socratic fashion, your Atlanta tech support team will answer them with…more questions.
What Do You Need?
If you're looking for a tablet that behaves less like an iPad and more like a replacement for a laptop -- or possibly even a desktop -- then the Surface Pro tablet may be for you. I say "may" because there's not a consensus as to how effectively the Surface does this. The majority of the reviews I have seen seem to say the same thing: It just tries to be too many things to too many people. And if you want it to be everything it can be, it's going to cost you. The 64GB version is $899.99, but to get the kind of power you really want from the machine, you'll probably want to spring for the 128GB model ($999.99). That's not even counting a keyboard cover, which you're going to want if you desire a laptop/desktop replacement. The touch cover is $119.99 and the type cover is $129.99. And if you want Microsoft Office, guess what? Yep, you're going to have to pay for that, too. That's kind of a bummer, especially since a free version came with the Surface RT.
What Can It Do Better Than the iPad?
Sure, there are other tablets -- and therefore other competitors -- than the iPad, but the iPad is at the top of the heap, so that's what we're going to compare it to in our tablet discussion.
Whereas the iPad doesn't even pretend to be designed to replace a laptop or desktop, the Surface Pro gets full Windows 8 functionality and seems designed to be a workhorse machine. Ed Bott with ZD NET perhaps said it best:
"The ideal buyer of this device, I suspect, is someone who works in a large office and is continually bouncing between meeting rooms, with ready access to Wi-Fi and power outlets. The Surface Pro absolutely shines in that scenario…"
How Patient Are You?
It seems that Microsoft threw the kitchen sink at its first attempt at the Surface Pro, and there are bound to be features that are added, modified, and eliminated in its next iteration as it finds its identity. If you are willing to wait for it to decide what it wants to be (or for it to become better at being a jack-of-all-trades), it may be worth it. The tablet market is constantly evolving, so you just have to decide how many compromises you're willing to make in your quest to have a tablet that acts like more than a tablet.
In conclusion: If you're committed to having a machine that has the ability to be versatile -- and you're willing to shell out the bucks for that versatility -- maybe the Surface Pro is for you. If you're an early-adopting Microsoft enthusiast or someone who works in a Microsoft-centric environment, maybe it's for you. If, however, you're looking for a more traditional tablet without all the extra functionality (and the price tag that comes with it), it may be better to look elsewhere. For more detailed info to help you make your decision, read this breakdown of recent reviews on the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet.
Are you thinking about purchasing the Surface Pro? What are your criteria in your decision-making process? Add to our tablet discussion in the comments!
Image credit: Dell Inc.
Posted by Brent Hearn on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 @ 04:57 PM
If you're looking to make your workforce leaner and more efficient, you're not alone. Telecommuting is a viable option for employers whose needs include remote workers. The benefits of telecommuting work both ways; employees who have children and those looking for a more flexible work schedule can find the telecommuting lifestyle very attractive.
The explosion in mobile computing -- including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and various hybrid tech tools -- has made telecommuting easier to pull off than ever. But this added convenience comes with its own set of challenges. Not to worry, though. Your favorite Atlanta IT company is here with 3 tips for effective remote communication with your employees.
1. Don't Leave Them in the Cold....
It's easy for employees working remotely to feel left out of the loop. Sure, the independence of working from home is great (Ground-up Fruity Pebbles don't look nearly as out of place on footie pajamas as they do on Calvin Klein suits). That said, telecommuters don't get to experience the same sort of camaraderie and esprit de corps that their cubicle-bound counterparts do. It's important to make them feel as included as possible. Make sure they are kept up to date on general office communications that are pertinent, and make it a point to see that information vital to their specific duties is relayed in a timely manner.
2. But Don't Breathe Down Their Necks
That's right. Give them their space. I can hear you now: "Wait...didn't you just say to make them feel included? Which is it?!"
Well...both.
Here's the deal: You're the boss, right? And you either allowed your employee to work remotely or you hired them specifically to work remotely. Soooo...let them work remotely. Unless they give you a reason not to, trust them to do their jobs. Stay in contact with them to the degree that's necessary -- no more and no less. Calling for hourly updates on a project that's not due for two weeks is not going to endear yourself to your employee; it's probably just going to cancel out any increased job satisfaction that gives said employee the motivation to be working from home -- and possibly for your company -- in the first
place.
3. Don't Underestimate the Value of Face Time
In spite of all the means of communication we have at our disposal -- email, texting, online collaboration programs -- that can make the ability to actually look at someone seem superfluous, sometimes it's still important to see who you're talking to, if for no other reason than to be reminded that you're dealing with other people, as opposed to just bits of information being volleyed to and fro in the Magic Fairy Digi-Realm™. (Yep, trademarked. So don't even think about it. But do buy the Magic Fairy Digi-Realm™ t-shirt, coming soon to an overpriced retail outlet near you!)
On occasion, use videoconferencing software in place of a phone call or an email. Just be sure to be familiar with the program, so that valuable communication time isn't wasted on fiddling with settings or figuring out the tech tools mid-call.
Can you think of other tips for remote communication with employees? Please leave them in the comments!
Image credit: Suzanne Shahar
Posted by Brent Hearn on Wed, Jan 23, 2013 @ 04:47 PM
Admit it: One of the coolest things about watching science fiction movies and TV shows is to see all the cool tech toys we don't have yet. And if you think about it, a lot of those sci-fi gadgets that used to seem far-fetched are available today. The iPad was foreseen more than two decades ago by Star Trek: The Next Generation's PADD devices. Dick Tracy's wristwatch
communicator has been somewhat realized by Sony's SmartWatch. And lightsabers? Okay, we're still waiting on that one, much to the relief of graveyard-shift ER docs everywhere.
When it comes to technology, the rate of progress is so fast that gadgets we can only imagine sometimes come into existence within years of their introduction into pop culture. I know what you're thinking: "That's nice and all, but what does that do for me and my small business in 2013?"
It means there are some really cool gadgets coming your way.
THINQ is here to show you 3 pieces of tech gear that either look or sound like they belong in a sci-fi movie. They can be yours right now or in the very near future. Just be sure that they contribute to your productivity, rather than serving as a distraction. That's what Facebook is for.
1. Google Glass
You think we're connected all the time now? We've barely scratched the surface. This looks to be the product that will take wearable computing to the next level. We're not talking Bluetooth earpieces or clip-on iPods. This one's a game-changer, folks. Imagine being able to teleconference while you're walking down the street. Or having the ability to take photos of a work site and email them with your glasses. That's right; this product is a pair of "glasses" (Google doesn't really approve of the term "glasses," but let's not split hairs) with a built-in computer. Even as I type this, developers are salivating over the opportunity to invent ways to harness this technology that can keep us constantly connected. Google Glass is expected to retail for $1,500 and be available to consumers as soon as 2014.
2. Leap Motion
We first talked about this product in our post, 3 Tech Tools for Those on Santa's Good List, but it's so darn cool that it's worth a second mention. The Leap Motion brings the kind of 3-D gesture control that captured our tech-geek imaginations in Minority Report to life. Imagine working on presentations or using 3-D modeling software without the use of a keyboard. Or a mouse, or...well, anything, other than your own two hands. And now imagine being able to do that at a cost of $69.99 (the current pre-order price). The Leap Motion should be available to ship early this year.
3. XD Design's Solar Charger
This one doesn't have a specific sci-fi inspiration that we know of, but it definitely has the profile of something futuristic. So if you're looking for something that's functional, green, and stylish, then look no further than the XD Design solar charger. Sure, there are a gazillion and a half phone chargers out there, but XD Design's simple, clean, futuristic aesthetic sets it apart. The charger temporarily sticks to a window pane via silicone pads with its photovoltaic panel facing out, and it plugs directly into your cell phone or mp3 player in need of a charge. Forget about having to find an outlet; this baby harnesses the power of the sun. (You may as well use it, right? It's just sittin' up there, bein' all hot and all.) Prices vary, but it looks like you can get one for around $70.
Let's just hope all of sci-fi's tech advances don't eventually come to fruition. We could really do without Skynet. Do you know of any other current tech gear that sounds more at home in the realm of science fiction? Tell us about it in the comments!
Image credit: Loic Le Meur
Posted by Brent Hearn on Wed, Jan 16, 2013 @ 03:06 PM
"All right, we've got good, fast, and cheap: Pick two."
It's quite likely you've heard some version of the above statement in reference to a project. Or maybe you've seen in on a yellowing flier on the bulletin board at an automotive shop. You may have even used it yourself when discussing a project with a client. But did you know that the "good/fast/cheap" trifecta is actually a representation of the Triple Constraint? If you're not familiar with that term, you may know it as the "Project Management Triangle" or the "Iron Triangle."
The triple constraints referred to in the triangle are time, cost, and scope. In the "good/fast/cheap" representation, scope is replaced by quality (the "good"). There are a number of different variations and offshoots of the Project Management Triangle, but for our purposes, we're going to deal with the "good/fast/cheap" representation.
The basic idea is that you can't alter any one of the sides of the triangle without affecting at least one of the other two. For example: If a client wants something fast, either the quality/scope is going to suffer due to the hastiness of the work, or the cost is going to increase, due to the increased commitment of time -- likely at the expense of other projects, either professional or personal -- it will take to accomplish the tasks necessary.
Here's where the "Pick two" comes in: You can have good and fast, but it will be expensive; you can have good and cheap, but it won't be fast; and you can have fast and cheap, but the quality will suffer.
Clear Communication with a Client
I call it the "3 'C's." It's a little something I came up with…well, this morning. I find that giving a concept an alliterative name -- or shapes, in the case of the Project Management Triangle -- lends it gravitas. "Client communication"? That's the average business-speak version. "The 3 'C's"? Now that's the Morgan Freeman version. See? Instant gravitas!
When it comes to discussing a project with a client -- or even a potential client -- the Triangle can be a valuable tool. Determine which side of the Triangle is most important to the client, and clearly lay out to them how this will affect the other two constraints. This will help to assure that your client knows from the get-go what to expect from your work. Don't over-promise and under-deliver. You'll only frustrate the client, and if you value customer satisfaction as much as you should and don't deliver what you promised when you promised, you'll likely end up refunding all or part of what the customer paid or feel compelled to give free or discounted services in the future. All of these things cost you money, not to mention the goodwill and trust -- and possible future business -- of a client.
If you're feeling pressured to commit to more you're capable of due to an unreasonably demanding client, you have to ask yourself: Is this a client I can please? Is their business worth the toll it's going to cause in my life and in my business? Sometimes the answer to the latter question is based on financial need; if it's a pricey project that will provide you with much-needed income, sometimes you have to bite the bullet and do what's required. But know that going in, and understand that it's still important to be honest with the client about the challenges ahead, so they know what they're getting into.
Can you think of other examples of how the Triple Constraint can be used in your favor? Please share them with THINQ in the comments!
Image credit: Juan Freire
Posted by Brent Hearn on Mon, Jan 07, 2013 @ 03:18 PM
Small business owners looking to make their businesses more successful need look no further than ESPN for inspiration. The sports world has no shortage of successful leaders who have nuggets of wisdom to share with those who want to make their organization more productive, hardworking, and efficient. Plus, who would you rather read advice from? Some obscure business analyst you've never heard of, or somebody who's had front-row seats to wicked dunks from the best athletes to ever play the game? Yep. That's why I thought. With that in mind, THINQ is here with 3 leadership strategies from successful coaches that can be applied to your business.
"Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the Me for the We." - Phil Jackson
At first glance, this quote from the Zen Master himself sounds like advice for the employees rather than the employer. So how does it apply to you, the one in a leadership position?
You're the one responsible for picking your team.
The best employee is the one who is committed to what your company is trying to accomplish -- the one who has bought in to the mission statement, not the one who is just there to collect a paycheck. Find those people. Find them, hire them, and invest in them. Help them to succeed in helping your business succeed, and then reward them for it.
"Success isn't permanent, and failure isn't fatal." - Mike Ditka
In business -- as in life -- it's important to keep moving ahead, regardless of past success or failure. As a rule, no individual success or failure defines a business; how one responds to success and failure is a much more accurate indicator of the potential of the organization.
If one uses success as an indicator of what works and builds on it, it's a good thing. If it's used as justification for complacency -- the "Check me out -- I got this!" phenomenon -- you're just asking for trouble.
What about failure? There are two sides to that coin, as well. If you take an individual failure to heart and roll over, perhaps you don't belong in a position of leadership in the first place. Too harsh? Not at all. Perhaps one of the most accurate indicators of a successful leader is resilience. Analyze the circumstances and decisions that contributed to the failure, and make the appropriate corrections.
Perhaps Samuel Beckett said it best: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” Did I just work in a quote from a renowned playwright into a "jock" post? You bet I did. Beckett may not have coached a team to the Super Bowl, but the man could turn a phrase.
"The willingness to experiment with change may be the most essential ingredient to success at anything." - Pat Summitt
Pat Summitt knows a little something about being successful. After all, she's the winningest coach in college basketball history -- men's or women's.
Change is a vital part of any company's game plan. If your business is unsuccessful, it's obvious that SOMETHING needs to change. But what if things are going well? If you're happy with being the fourth-best company in your market, maybe your current strategy is sufficient. But if the term "moderately successful" is anathema to your business sensibilities, you must be willing to tinker with your business strategy -- even if it's a successful one. This may mean temporary dips in productivity, income, or whatever measure of success you're currently using, but that's just part of the experimentation process. Be patient and give new strategies a fighting chance to work. Keep those that do and learn from those that don't.
Can you think of any other leadership strategies from successful coaches that could be applied to small businesses? Please share them in the comments!
Image credit: Korye Logan
