Do you let obstacles such as your friends, the political climate, discrimination or fears affect how you grow yourself or your business? What is stopping you from accomplishing your goals? My personal belief is that every day we need to be growing and developing into a better leader, a better team member, and a better person. But there are times when we feel, real or perceived, that someone or something is getting in the way of that. Your business continually needs to be reevaluated to determine what changes are necessary. Don’t be afraid to assess and make the changes. Strive to improve every day.
Are you planning to make a change in your business? Are you changing the vision and strategy because of a decline in revenues? Some short sighted team members may be resistant to change because of their comfort level. There are others who recognize change must happen and have been waiting for you to act. For the long term growth and survival of your business, you must be prepared for overcoming the obstacles even if the obstacle is you.
I faced adversity often as an Army officer while implementing new plans or enforcing basic standards. I have always believed that you must master the fundamentals of your job and organization before you can be an expert and before you can achieve real excellence. Even enforcing the need to master fundamental skills will create adversity, but you must lead your team to the level of excellence that you have in your vision.
Here are areas to consider in your journey to change yourself and your business:
- Overcome your fear. Do you doubt your ability to communicate what must be changed? Self assessments are great, and you can identify gaps in your skills and abilities, but there is a point when you must take a risk to achieve what you want. Improve every day, but get out there and do it. Your team is relying on you to make the right decisions to sustain their jobs and careers. Are you letting others control your thinking? Is there a boundary problem with friends, family and colleagues? Don’t give control over to others.
- Grow your network. Reach out to a supportive friend, a former boss or a trusted colleague to ask for advice in your endeavor for change. Your local area probably has entrepreneur clubs or other business organizations where you can find a new avenue for support. Additionally, an Entrepreneur magazine article titled “12 Organizations Entrepreneurs Need to Join” offers additional resources for ideas. These may be an opportunity for expanding your network while you develop a new strategy for your business, which also means more feedback.
- Develop new skills and abilities. You have determined the change is necessary, but lack a critical skill or a leadership technique such as enhanced communication to guide your business through the process. Find a class, an organization, a podcast or the right book to grow yourself to prepare for change. Be mindful that lacking in skills is probably not the problem. Again, don’t be afraid to take action when change is required.
- Stick to your decision. Your team may not embrace the necessary change because they are too comfortable. You will quickly be able to determine who can’t be convinced, but ensure you have communicated properly what your new vision is. Negative team members who don’t move along with your plan to change must be identified for possible termination. They will use up your limited resources if you don’t.
Overcoming adversity will require commitment, hard work and not wavering when the obstacles appear. Those resisting the necessary change will counter your decisions and may try to work against you to discredit your plans. Be strong and have the strength to follow through once you have done your homework and have prepared your plans. Communicating the right message will be a critical component.
“The moment we believe that success is determined by an ingrained level of ability as opposed to resilience and hard work, we will be brittle in the face of adversity.”– Joshua Waitzkin, child prodigy chess player
Adversity can sometimes be a great motivation. Prove it to yourself that you can overcome the situation. Resist what is trying to stop you. Put in the hard work, conduct the planning, and execute your decisions with no fear.
How do you plan to overcome adversity in your business? Please comment or send an email to comment@stephenmclain.com.
Copyright-2016 Stephen McLain