Recognizing the Gap

As I dive into my Coaching Career, I often reflect on a twenty five year career as a business owner. Growing from a boutique, two employee operation into a formidable mid-size competitive company with forty employees and a reputation as best in class in our industry was a "put one foot in front of the other" experience of patience, perseverance and stress.

There were many days of excitement. Landing new, large, profitable accounts. And small, profitable accounts. There were days of stress. Employee issues, new hires quitting, lower than projected income, and some legal expenses.

And, the inevitable day when the realization came that it was time to cash out and move on.

Looking back, I recognize the hard work that went into the company. The greatness that came when we became our own brand, and the recognition that we no longer had to be commoditized.

But there is also a realization of the gap of satisfaction during the time I owned the company.

I may have been like other business owners, in that I focussed on what I was really good at. My value and skill was growing the company. I went about it with almost a single minded purpose. And when we lost accounts, it hurt deeply.

But we gained far more than we lost. And where was the satisfaction? It was largely missing.

When I inked a large account, I theorized I needed to get right back out there, and get another one, while I had momentum. When I lost an account, I theorized I needed to get right back out there, and replace the business.

It made for growth, but at what cost? Personally, it bankrupted me. I no longer appreciated what I was doing. It became automatic. Our wonderful employees were thrilled with each big win. For them, it meant job security. But I did not take the time or effort to celebrate.

What type of message was I sending to our amazing staff? That I was above it? That it wasn't necessary? That I didn't care?

Taking the time and effort to celebrate the wins helps builds the character and culture of your business. It provides satisfaction for everyone, and also lets you know to whom it is not important. Do those people fully belong on your team?

It is an empty feeling to look back and know that although I feel pride and accomplishment in the development and value built in a company, I never fully appreciated what I was accomplishing.

To work on fully enriching your culture of your business, and other issues, please reach out to me at 412 979 5367, or enter information below.