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The Curiosity Shortage
Over
the years, there seems to be a dwindling of the amount
of curiosity that exists. This phenomenon appears to
be taking place not only in adult individuals, but also
within businesses.
As
youngsters, we viewed the world as a new and wonderful
place with loads of opportunities. We could lie in the
grass at night and look at the stars with wonder, amazement
and curiosity. Our curiosity forced us to deepen connections
with the world.
When
our businesses were fresh, we could open the doors and
rush to talk with everyone about our new endeavor. This
forced us to deepen connections with our communities
and the marketplace. It allowed us to take an active
and imaginative role in shaping the future. As we mature,
we take so much for granted. The stars and even customers
become routine parts of our everyday lives.
There
is a downside to this loss of curiosity in that there
is a relationship between success and curiosity. The
best sales people have a natural curiosity about people.
The best buyers have a curiosity about fashion, color
and style. Even the best accountants have a curiosity
about business finances and the way a statement relates
to reality.
Whether
you use a consultant, an outside advisor or you are
able to stoke your flickering creative flames on your
own, make sure you remain curious about a whole array
of aspects in your business. Make sure you encourage
curiosity in your staff and even your customers. Are
you curious as to why employees are not working very
hard? Do you wonder about new ways to increase profits?
Exciting
and profitable endeavors start with some form of curiosity.
The bottom line is that you need curiosity in your business
to survive and grow. If you can't generate enough curiosity
internally, find a source outside. If you are curious
where to look, give us a call.
Face Reality
The
owner of a business must lead in the important task
of facing reality. In any situation, when you are in
an environment long enough, the details fade and you
become comfortably unaware of the situation as it really
is -- good or bad. The same holds true for many businesses.
Reality is elusive. Every owner needs a sounding board,
confidant, consultant or a board of directors -- someone
from outside the business who will notice what needs
attention when he walks through the door.
Working
harder is futile if you are working on the wrong things.
Jumping at problems is worthless if you aren't implementing
the solutions to those problems. Momentum can keep a
business that's moving in the wrong direction continuing
on that same wrong path. Face reality and be sure that
your efforts are truly working to improve and grow your
business.
Enpowerment means Efficiency
Crises
occur in businesses everyday. How your business is set
up to handle crises determines customer satisfaction
and, ultimately, success for your enterprise. How far
must information travel for a decision to finally be
made in your company? The shorter the distance, the
more efficient the response. The fewer the transfers
(the number of people involved), the less chance for
communication complications.
Winning@Business
is a process that helps streamline the crisis management
process and powers your organization with greater efficiency.
"Quote of the Day"
"The
important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity
has its own reason for existing." -- Albert Einstein
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