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I had an interesting idea the other day to write a little business wisdom triggered by iconic country song titles from various eras. I thought it would be fun to read and also teach (or remind) us a few things. So, here goes:
The first title is “Crazy” by Patsy Cline. Every new idea might sound a little CRAZY the first time it is heard. Imagine sitting in on the first meeting for Uber. Someone says, “I’ve got an idea on how to start a new type of taxi company … but own NO TAXIS.” Say what? That’s CRAZY. Uber is now a $139 billion company with 7.8 million drivers, operating in 70 countries, in 10,500 cities, doing 28 million trips per day. When someone comes to you with a new idea, try to look at the idea to see what is right with it, not what is wrong with it. Closed minds can kill all possibility for progress.
The next song is “If I Had Only Known” by Reba McEntire. We all need to understand that a problem identified is a blessing. You can’t fix it if you don’t know it is broken. Companies need to create a culture that allows for open, frank communication. Employees need to feel that they are heard when sharing suggestions and/or problems.
Moving on to my next song choice, “Why” by Jason Aldean. If you are not really certain WHY a rule is in place or a procedure is being followed, then it’s time to get the answer or change what you are doing. Always remember: doing what you’ve always done may NOW be wrong. I have one rule when it comes to improving your business: QUESTION EVERYTHING! Have a “WHY” meeting where everyone must bring a question of “WHY” you do something. If you can’t answer the question, then stop doing it.
Now let’s listen to “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw. One of the biggest mistakes I see companies making is not fully training their employees, so they are confident in what they are doing and know why they are doing it. Immediate bosses, supervisors, and managers should never make the statement, “Something like that.” My question would be, “Something like what?” Don’t just tell them and then have them go off and make mistakes until they hopefully figure it out on their own; show them what is expected.
My final song choice is “On Fire” by The Bellamy Brothers. Greatness comes with passion. Do more than you should, study more than is necessary, practice more than is expected, prepare more than you have to, deliver more than they imagined, and be more cheerful, courteous, and compassionate to others. An employee like that is “On Fire” and on the fast track to a promotion. Be excited that you are there. The secret sauce of success is Enthusiasm. It ignites greatness, creativity, energy, inspiration, excitement, joy, camaraderie, passion, eagerness, interest, happiness, and it is contagious. Best of all – anyone can have it if they choose. Never let it be said, “You don’t have it.” Be On Fire!
When there is Passion in your Purpose - You give Power to your Potential.