I recently had the pleasure of listening to two partners, clients of mine, who prepared themselves intensely for our meeting. They had completed the reading of a recommended publication and could, with reference to every chapter, tell me what their findings were as applied to themselves. In addition, they took time out and together studied the various components of the balanced scorecard planning approach – a sophisticated approach which takes an effort to master.
I was thoroughly impressed. I wish all of my clients would follow this approach. They all could.
Many of my clients have earned one or two university degrees and even more. Many went to technical colleges. They put in many study hours over three to five or more years. They absorbed the content of hefty volumes of study material and publications, met deadlines for study projects, passed exams and were awarded degrees or diplomas. This required serious commitment and discipline. And the wonderful aspect is, as most will confirm, that as they progressed in their study disciplines and specialties, study became very satisfying.
Others have gained skills and experience through self-study and hard work, also after hours.
Becoming proficient and top students became exhilarating. They absorbed what they had learned.
Why is it then, when it comes to running a business that so many individuals forget the discipline and hours it took to gain mastery of various study subjects? Surely success in business requires the same dedicated approach? One cannot at university rush from class to class without following this up with serious study and reflection. One cannot skip classes or meetings or decide not to study as one’s life is too busy. (All right, I do concede that the lives of business people are much more busy than those of students!)
But seriously, a committed approach and discipline is required in running the business side of a business. Are you a bright individual who is struggling to find your feet in the business side of your company? Think back and summon your skills of concentration and of focused energy and get to grips with new business ideas: How to develop strategic and operational plans, how to actually use them, how to develop personal and team strengths of execution, how to run meetings which are not dysfunctional and which actually exhilarate people, and especially how to become proficient in selecting people and taking them to new personal heights.
Find time for understanding business and put in extra hours each week of reading, reflection, discussion and of putting your new knowledge into practice. The effort will be well rewarded.
Running a business professionally can be a distinct pleasure – and your business results will confirm it.
In any event, business nowadays requires of everyone to be a perpetual student. We might as well apply the “how” of our student days and surprise ourselves and our teams with a growing business expertise.
I should add that the two individuals whom I mentioned are highly qualified and, at an early age, already remarkably successful in running their company. They are now brushing up on how to run a business, are poised for an important business take-off and leave nothing to chance.
One always has a choice.
Albert
Filed under: learning Tagged: | balanced scorecard, effective meetings, execution, organisation, strategic planning, talent
