If you are a small business owner, you will understand when I say, the size or ability of your organization is directly dependent on your level of thinking, so if you want to change it, get out of your box.
For example, if you believe your team is up to any challenge, then you likely put in place things to test that out. If you believe the way you currently do something is the best way, then there is no need to change it. What is important to understand is your organization is a reflection of you and what you believe.
Depending on how satisfied you are with your organization, will determine how receptive you are to this idea. If you are happy with your company and it’s operation, then of course, I am sure you will agree. You will pat yourself on the back and tell yourself you hired great people and have put in fantastic systems. On the other hand, if in this moment you aren’t so satisfied, then you might want to reject this thought because after all, you are doing your best.
Let me say, of course you are…we all are, however sometimes it doesn’t exactly work the way we would like.
Of course, every day we run into owners and leaders who want more out of their operations. If they are an organization, they want it to run more efficiently and they want it to be more responsive. If it is a business, they would like it to return a little more profit, or be able to expand into a new product or geographical footprint. So, what makes this possible?
The simple answer is you need to get out of your box and what I mean by that is, you need to get out of your box that is your business or your department! To have different and new ideas about how you could approach your business in a way that would give you what you desire. You need to open yourself up to something different.
We have all heard the saying, “the meaning of insanity is, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” This said, it is amazing how many people work harder and harder in their business and organization doing the same thing and hoping something will change.
So, here are my Top 3 ways of getting out of my box:
- Talk to someone who has done something I want to do. It always amazes me how many times people are willing to help me out and to give me a different perspective. Having rich conversations with people always leaves me solutions I had never thought of.
- Attend workshops and conferences. In my time, I have been known to go to a workshop or two that has nothing to do with what I am working on today. It isn’t always about learning a specific skill, sometimes it is about expanding your network or learning something entirely different, knowing you might be able to apply the ideas and concepts to something else.
- Read an article, blog, magazine or watch a video. Seldom do people make the time to read a book, however it doesn’t mean you can’t continue reading. Take a few minutes to read something new everyday to keep yourself sharp. If you don’t like to read there is audio books or even YouTube videos, full of all kinds of ideas.
You will never solve a problem from inside your organization or by doing things “harder”. Take a step outside and you will find that many of the answers you need will be right under your nose.
