Ready for 2010… and Beyond

During this time of reflection and resolution, especially as we step – or jump – from 2009 into the possibilities of 2010, we are inundated with Top 10 lists, forecasts and recommendations for success.  It is a time when we smile at the irony of clichés, tried-and-true wisdom and perpetual cycles – perspectives and realities we are aware of, but complicate throughout the year.

Before jumping into global themes observed in the latest wave of articles, webinars, blogs, RSS feeds and more; it would be best to preface them with the following quote I came across not too long ago:

“Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor.” – Robert Frost

Work hard (and relax, too). Perhaps you are now thinking that if you worked any harder you’d fade away, and you may be right. This point doesn’t address trying to cram more into your already hectic schedule. Rather, it serves to address the satisfaction you can find when you work hard for something and accomplish it, or your ability to fully relax or decompress only after putting in a great deal of effort (consider working out, finishing the remodeling job in your kitchen or submitting a business report you’ve worked tirelessly on).

The next time you find yourself reeling from your work, take a moment and find the satisfaction in what you are accomplishing, and then find time to relax. If you don’t relax, you don’t recharge, and if you think you can last and perform well on a low battery, imagine how well your laptop or phone will serve you in the same capacity.

Be true to who you are (personally, and as an organization). Every organization, product, service and individual has a place in the market space. This position is not static, but at a given point in time, considering strategic direction, core competencies and the competitive environment, one truly falls into a single market position. To use a market term, don’t “window-dress” your organization or yourself.

People are looking for people they can trust. Most can see through a person’s attempt to window-dress their product or service offerings – or their own capabilities. The other word for this message is “transparency.” People will see through to who you truly are and what you’re truly capable of. If they have to pass through a mirage, trust is diminished. Keep it simple; be true to who you are. In another vein, only by being true to your core competencies, style and passions – accompanied by a willingness to continue growing – will you be able to maximize your value to those around you.

Be courageous. This may best be supported by a quote: “When two men in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary.” – William Wrigley Jr. This is not a note of encouragement to be argumentative or to constantly stand against someone or something, but rather to acknowledge the value of diversity within a team, organization or industry.

Have the courage to question, to research, to seek solutions. Have the courage to explore these solutions. You are a part of a diverse network of individuals who are trying to accomplish something great – whatever that may be. Be courageous and understand that you may have the missing puzzle piece to an idea or industry.

Observe both sides of the fence. Recently, while reading through What Matters Now, I came across the following concept: for every trend there is a counter trend to be considered. We are all familiar with the swinging pendulum and moderation versus extremism in ideals, organizational efforts and business acumen. Know your market position and objectives, but as you look to the future of the marketplace, consider the counter trend that may arise.

Recall the swings from classical to contemporary, from technical to social, from well-rounded to specialized. By being aware of both sides of the fence – or the pendulum – you may better anticipate the evolution of market trends and have more time to position yourselves accordingly.

Listen. The most pressing application for this point is Customer Service. The irony of today is that, while we have numerous communication channels at our fingertips, our ability to communicate has seemingly diminished over time. Pertaining to the markets, consumerism, when complemented with abundance, has led to a market place where most followed the concept “If you build it, they will come.”

With revenue goals and set profit margins, most organizations went forth to see who was a best fit for what they’ve built, rather than seeing if they were a best fit for their customers – or any customers for that matter. We find ourselves at a point in a time where we must listen to truly understand the needs, wants and expectations of the individuals we serve. Only then can we really connect with our customers and prospects and have a chance at establishing a trust relationship, and hopefully a valued business relationship.

Understand the power of “likeability.” It is amazing how much “likeability” factors into a business relationship. This applies not only to sales, but also to teamwork. One short from Seth Godin’s eBook, What Matters Now, pointed out that a rowing team would select a weaker rower, over a strong rower, for the team if that individual was “likeable.” The team would ultimately work harder with a team they liked than one they did not.

Clearly, the concept of “likeability” then applies to everyone on a team, as much as it does to leaders. One small step towards achieving “likeability:” the ever-famous golden rule – treat others as you’d like to be treated.

Just for fun, here are two more quotes you may like as you move further into 2010.  May it be a good year for you and yours.

“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered.  An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered.” – G.K. Chesterton

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I need to be.” – Douglas Adams