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Every business needs productivity. Productivity that enables the business to achieve desired results and also aides the producer in growing their individual expertise and value to the business. When productivity is at its optimum level, business moves forward and success fills the air with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. If only that were the case 100% of the time, what a world of utopia we would experience.
As every business leader and owner knows too well, there are also times when productivity is not at its optimum level. There are times when a “business slump” occurs and this causes the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to be forgotten. Also there are times when performance is acceptable; but, not at the level that the team is capable of achieving. Unless this “slump” or lack of maximum productivity is faced and overcome, its impact can be devastating regardless of the business or the industry.
How do you attack these “business slumps” and regain your “mojo” or move your business results higher? In the next couple of weeks I’m going to share some simple tips that can enable you to refocus and begin to soar in times when your best efforts are not being realized.
1) Come together with your team, talk openly and decide to accept responsibility for your performance. If you research the situation you find yourself facing, it is almost a certainty that there is a sound reason for the under achievement. Examine what you were doing prior to the slide and refocus. The bigger issue is to realize that all things begin with ourselves both good and bad. Once we accept personal accountability, positive things can happen. Accepting responsibility promotes greater attention to living your performance versus simply talking about your performance. Past achievement will not guarantee present performance. You must live and act in the present to overcome the shortfalls and embark on new levels of success.
2) Refocus on your business plan. If you can’t get excited about your plan, reexamine the plan and what you wanted to accomplish. Plans are roadmaps and when followed they can lead us to the destination we seek. However, we must have some enthusiasm about the journey. If the plan does not provide that potential, better to take a second look and develop a plan that you can get excited about. You will be held more accountable for your ability to anticipate challenges than you will be for your ability to address them as they come. Sound business plans enhances your commitment to meet critical functional demands. This in turn will more effectively enable you to take your business to where the new opportunities will appear.
3) Place greater attention on your goals, desires and solutions. So much more can be accomplished by seeking solutions versus praising problems. Once you have that commitment to focus on what you really need; understand what it will demand; and, how to leverage your strengths to produce new opportunities, your positive self-image will enable you to alter your direction. Goals are life’s chauffeurs that enables you to enjoy the ride to your destination. Desires provide you the thoughts, and perspectives that encourages you to create new avenues of direction. Solutions provides you with the answers you seek to maximize opportunities. Placing your attention on what really matters will bring forth in your efforts, what really matters.
4) Never fear asking for help. Whether you use a professional business coach; a trusted mentor; or, a fellow business owner or leader, having an “outside set of eyes and ears” can provide you with insight that can guide you to a new dimension. Seeking help does not mean you are weak. On the contrary, it shows your strength and your strong desire to finding the very best solutions. Presidents, CEOs, sports coaches and other such leaders never do it alone. They have advisors or assistants who stand ready to help. Never be too controlled by ego to admit the fact you are human and don’t always have all the answers. Keep in mind that success comes not when people think alike, but more often when they think together. Asking for help at key times will enable that reality to find its place in your endeavors.
5) Put things into perspective. Interact with your team and come up with ideas that enable you to recommit to doing the right work. Upgrade your standards. Be interested in anything that can lead you to regaining growth. Set aside the “can’ts” and reapply your actions to what is possible. Remember that you have the power to control your actions and to influence the actions of those around you. When you direct your efforts to “keeping the main thing, the main thing,” you will be pleased at what will occur.
In your professional career, you will face the perilous task of dealing with productivity. Your success or shortfall will be determined on whether you take control of your actions when this occurs; or, whether you allow your situation to control you.
Stay tuned for 4 more tips next time.
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