I recently attended a reunion of close friends and saw, sometimes for the first time, how many of us are suffering. Some issues might be classified as “first-world problems” — job dissatisfaction or needing to put off a vacation or big purchase due to inflation. But for a few it was truly big stuff: family issues, mental health, or chronic unemployment.
Here’s the paradox: When things are going well, it’s just human nature to bask in the goodness and not delve into existential questions. But when things go south, the problems we encounter often lead us to rethink where we are in our lives. Life’s not easy these days, and tough times bring into clear relief the need for change. Hopefully, and I’m thinking optimistically, we use the hardships to push ourselves ahead, despite the obstacles.
Businesses aren’t any different. When times are good, we upgrade our equipment, we spend a little more on employee gifts, we’re more likely than not to give a discount. There’s always some fire to put out, but that’s a minor setback. But if the money’s rolling in, why bother to pay attention to those systemic issues?
Then reality hits.
Those pesky systemic issues don’t seem so pesky anymore. Revenue’s down. Valued employees leave. We all need to do more with less (heard that one before?). We can no longer gloss over those little annoyances our customers or employees could handle. They need attention. When we have entire teams relying on us to make the right decisions, the stakes get that much higher.
How many of us feel like we don’t have the right supports in place to move forward? How can we better avoid the ups and downs of a roller coaster to hold a more even keel so we cautiously celebrate when things are good but we’re ready when things are trending downward?
This is when a second voice, one that doesn’t carry the baggage of keeping the business afloat and can offer a fresh view of those issues that so often get swept under the rug. This person can be your champion when you need someone in your corner, but can also be the voice of reason and—if they’re good at what they do—give you the straight talk you need to move in the direction that works for you and the health of the business.
Sometimes you know what you need to do. You just need the permission to do it.
How can North Then West be your voice of reason? Let’s talk about refocusing your vision so you can set your company up for success.
