July 4th is more than just a day to enjoy a BBQ and shoot off fireworks. It’s our country’s birthday and commemorates the birth of a new nation; the day we declared independence from England. The preamble of the Declaration of Independence states, “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union…”
It was a very brave, bold and risky move for our founding fathers to form a new COUNTRY. Every man who signed his name on the Declaration of Independence actually risked their lives in potentially hanging from the gallows. What are you willing to risk for the future of your own company? What is holding you back from forming something new and bold?
Do you need to declare independence from:
A failing business
When was the last time you took a hard look at your business to find inefficiencies in your business? Better yet, have an outsider like your business coach, go through an analysis with you. Sometimes having a third party can bring a fresh perspective and help you see the forest through the trees. Together you two can create a plan of action to turn it around.
An ineffective management style
If you find that challenges in your organization are the fault of the team or employees, sometimes it may be in how you hired them, trained them, or allowed them to underperform through your tacit approval. In other words, at the end of the day, it’s your responsibility to manage your team, build them up, and support them. Your coach can help you develop your management style so that your team is loyal, motivated and effective.
A lifetime of poor habits
No one is born with the habits that help or hurt them. They are developed through daily actions. When fears and limitations may be preventing you from accomplishing something great! You can change your poor habits and adopt a positive mental attitude simply by changing your “I ams.” If you typically are late for meetings, create an “I am” stating “I am on time for all important meetings.” Repeat these daily and become the person you want to be, rather than letting old habits dictate who you are.
Remember that if you are the owner, it always starts with you. So, take sometime this week to write your “Declaration of Independence.” Review with your business coach what you want to declare in your independence. If a dozen men living in a foreign land risking their lives can create a country as great as the United States, what can you accomplish?