Hello all, please take a minute to think about this thought that I run through all my trainings, “nothing worthwhile in life is gained by avoiding what is uncomfortable initially.”
During these times when everyone is enrolling themselves in the thoughts of a slowdown, etc… this is a good thought to remember… and ask yourself the following;
1. Where am I avoiding what is uncomfortable?
2. Who am I avoiding?
3. What tough conversations am I avoiding?
4. What tough behaviors am I avoiding?
It all starts at the top and with each of us, no matter what our position is. Whether a leader or sales person, the only person we can control is ourselves.
Leaders…. manage behaviors… take responsibility for where your company is (I see fewer leaders today taking responsibility for their company results)… and take action to manage the behaviors of your staff. Have that uncomfortable conversation with all employees about new ways of being. Challenge the thinking and the “culture of comfort” that inevitably sets in when times seem real good. Make your self uncomfortable if you expect everyone else to do it. Set new ambitious goals. Challenge those who you have let get comfortable. Take responsibility for their results…. maybe their sales are flat because you have accepted it and not challenged them.
Sales people… make yourselves uncomfortable… make those calls that you have avoided… deal with the issues that you have put off… now is the time to raise the bar high for yourself and set big ambitious goals and announce them to those around you. Set out each day to make a stop or two on the accounts that you have driven by for weeks, months or years, even if it is just to get a name of the person you would see. Commit to do something each day this year that makes you uncomfortable.
Remember my quote… unless you really don’t want something worthwhile…
Stay comfortable…
Does that make you uncomfortable?
Good.
Gratefully yours,
Steve
