10 Article Summary
I thought I’d reflect on the last 10 issues main points and summarise for reflection by us all over the break
(When you might get time to read this magazine!) as we plan for 2023 and beyond.
June 2020 – We are not in same the same boat
- Yes, we are in the same storm, but we are not in the same boat. We are all individual.
- Keep yourself and your business ship shape, be pro-active, work on improvements every day.
- Those that respond to change survive in business, those that let the world change around them die out.
September 2020 – Measure Success
- Know your numbers, set relevant KPIs
- Keep it simple
- Measure, recognise and feedback often.
December 2020 – Communication – We are human, not Robots
- Seek first to understand.
- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
- Stay calm and “respond” and not “react”
- Be consistent
March 2021 – Mindset, Believe & Grow
- A “fixed mindset” assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static truths which we cannot change in any meaningful way.
- A “growth mindset,” thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as an educational springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.
- We can choose to believe that the obstacles, diversions, errors, and failures that come onto our path are impediments to progress, or we can choose to belief that these things provide growth opportunities that we are privileged to experience and learn from.
June 2021 – Is saying no bad for business?
- “The aim in business is to have profitable customers, who stay with you for a very long time” Dr Ian Brooks.
- Understand who your most profitable customers, jobs, or product types are over the long term?
- Do what you are passionate about. Say no more often.
- Be brave and let your clients experience the competition and feel the difference.
September 2021 – Put on your own oxygen mask first
- Look after yourself first, its ok to take a rest or a break / holiday.
- “When angry, count to 10 before you speak. If very angry, a hundred,” Thomas Jefferson.
- Priorotise “me time”.
December 2021 – Being fully booked does not make us immune
- Don’t be a busy fool
- Understand your economic engine (Jim Collins “hedgehog concept”)
- Understand the value you add and charge accordingly.
March 2022 – These times require Stewardship; – what is it?
- Nurture the culture and every individual
- Build connection to develop and unite teams.
- “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. “ Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
- Don’t get stuck in management or micro-management mode.
June 2022 – Managing People Through Change
- “Change is the only constant in life.”
- Recognise and appreciate that some people find change uncomfortable
- All your improvements come from change, so change is good.
- A leader’s role is to understand each individual and to be able to “get them on the bus” of change.
September 2022 – Good Timber
- Every challenge and obstacle on the path, provides an opportunity for personal growth.
- “Time under tension” gives us strength and growth
- Good timber does not grow with ease: The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.
I wish you all a safe, joyful, and restful holiday season and all the very best for 2023
Ian Featherstone is a cabinetmaker, machinist, business advisor, mentor and leadership coach, and the owner of Glass Half Full. He specialises in the construction industry, particularly the joinery & cabinetry sector. For more information or to find out how you can move your team forward, please visit www.glasshalffull.co.nz