What do you think?
One business man wanted a divorce. Why? His wife asked good business questions about a new venture he wanted to try. But, she wouldn’t agree because he was unable to answer the financial questions in a way that worked for her. He accused her of being negative and unsupportive.
What do you think? Was she negative and unsupportive? Or, being realistic looking for answers?
Being positive has its value. Being a Pollyanna (believing everything is great, even when it isn’t) and not realistically addressing the details can decimate a business, an idea or partnership. It’s important to understand success requires balanced positivity.
Many business leaders have had similar challenges with their executive teams and Board of Directors.
These (overly) enthusiastic leaders were:
- – Thinking something will work out simply because they said so — not a viable business strategy.
- – Believing a client, business partner or investor should readily want to provide time and/or money without a viable plan, sound financial projections and the right people — not good business acumen.
- – Visualizing only a great outcome, forgetting the success or failure is in the details – not good business management.
Many skeptics have saved companies millions of dollars by asking financial, sales, operational, and people related questions about their projects or programs. These questions include the how, what, when, where and why of releasing new technology, launching new vehicles, issuing new procedures or publishing new works of art. While cynics are not always right, there are lessons to be learned from them. And, if you’re unable or unwilling to address these questions realistically, you better proceed with extreme caution.
Profitable outcomes require balanced positivity:
- – Positive vision of what you (or your team) would like the end result to look like.
- – Declaration of the intended result, in writing (aka goal).
- – Written focused action plan.
- – Ensure others’ concerns are addressed and appropriate actions taken.
- – Value other’s contributions.
- – Stay unattached to how the process should look.
It takes a strong leader to encourage these types of inquiries and a well-rounded team of committed people to work together to answer them. These questions can make a significant difference in balancing positivity with an intended outcome, saving you innumerable dollars, time and energy.
Jeannette Seibly has been an international business and executive coach for over 20 years. She has guided the creation of three millionaires. Are you the next one? http://SeibCo.com/contact
©Jeannette L. Seibly, 2015