It is really important to study ourselves, particularly as business leaders, and remember that uncertainty is actually a normal, natural part of the world. We can always expect the unexpected will happen, in fact, it’s the only thing that we can guarantee will happen.
Luckily, when you feel like you’re losing everything or you’re not certain about which way to go next, there are some things that are consistent and stable. Some things can be relied on in business, and I’m going to go through five of these right now.
“It is on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly” Claude Monet
People need love and connection:
People will always need love and connection. One of the things that I love the most in business, and the reason that business is so completely invigorating for me, is because I’m allowed to connect with myself and the people around me. Connection is the hub of successful business, whether it be with your team, your customers, your suppliers, or your community members, and your business will suffer without it. For example, studies show that 79% of employees who quit their jobs cite a lack of appreciation as a key reason for leaving.
The most innovative will always thrive:
The second thing that always remains the same in business, is that the most innovative responders will always thrive. Now, the key to business success is to meet the demands of your market in a way accessible to them, and by doing so you will be able to garner success unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Especially in this time where things are quickly changing and feel uncertain. By being innovative and engaging your customers, you can then enjoy the rewards that come from it further down the line.
Customers will always have problems they will pay to solve:
The third is that customers will always have problems they will pay to solve. A fundamental element central to business success, is finding solutions and then taking them to market in a way that makes them accessible for people to buy into. When needs are changing, it’s our job as business leaders to respond to those changes and find things for your customers to invest into. This will lead to growth, for as Lisa Masiello said: “Happy customers are your biggest advocates and can become your most successful sales team.”
Staff shine when change is made safe:
The fourth one is that staff will always shine when change is made safe. Now, there is a misconception that employees don’t like change, but I have never found this to be true. Employees love learning and they love new opportunities for growth and expansion. A 2017 ReportLinker study revealed 83% of employees with opportunities to take on new challenges say they are more likely to stay with the organisation. So use these changes in the marketplace now to equip and empower your employees, and keep them safe during those changes.
Systems will always be a fundamental element of business sustainability:
And finally, systems will always be a core element of business sustainability. For you to be running a successful business that minimises expenses and maximises output, you need to have efficiency as a core fundamental principle in your business. It is all about doing more with less, especially now, and workflow management systems are the way to go. Refine how you’re working, how you’re delivering your services and products to market, and how you’re operating in the back end. Joseph Grenny said “Top performers set their goals to improve behaviours and processes, rather than outcomes.”
