Happens to all of us. Sooner or later you will be in a business situation that makes you uncomfortable. Maybe you don’t like or don’t quite trust the people around you that you must work with to be successful. Maybe the folks that are absolutely integral to your achievement come from a different generation or place or culture. Maybe you struggle to find common ground. When you find yourself in that situation, here’s a word of advice: stop whining. In fact, here are five steps you need to take to protect yourself from the artificial limits comfort places on your business ceiling.
#1 – Reward loyalty Sure, loyalty might seem like something out of a nursery rhyme or a Disney movie, but, you know what, it can and does exist. When you find someone who is, above all else, loyal to you, value that trait in the extreme. Reward that loyalty with training that will make that person more valuable. Instead of being critical of what they can’t do, find a position best suited to their talents. #2 – Be willing to figure it out Some people seem to thrive in an environment they understand. This version of comfort is what I call the “came with instructions” scenario. It’s when you completely understand how everything does work, will work or can work. But guess what, that scenario allows for precious little growth opportunities. If you aren’t surprised or occasionally confused, you aren’t challenging yourself enough. If you haven’t had a chance to fail in a while, you’re operating from a position of fear. Get out there and try something new. #3 – Learn from other people Sure the digital generation is running things these days, but there’s still quite a lot you can learn from the analog generation. If you don’t realize this, then you simply aren’t paying attention. And, if you happen to be on the other side of that equation, ignoring young ideas, because they are young and different is a good way to make yourself obsolete. Knowledge and wisdom can flow both ways. #4 – Make some mistakes Get out there and take some calculated risks. Make some decisions you’re not quite sure about. Remember, if you aren’t risking, you’re not winning. Sure, you will screw up, miss things, and fail. Of course, you will. That’s how you learn. #5 – Know the difference between what and how All too often, people confuse what they are doing with how they are doing it. That’s how you end up with “we’ve always done it this way.” First, no they haven’t. There’s no way that’s true. Maybe that’s how they’ve done it since that guy came on board, but I promise you it was done differently at some point. Remember, your goal is to get something done. Your method should never be default or taken for granted. So, what about it? Are you guilty of letting yourself get too comfortable? Jonah Engler is a financial expert from NYC.
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AuthorJonah Engler is a New York based entrepreneur with a passion for stockbroking and coffee! Check out his pics on his instagram! Archives
December 2015
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