In this world of forever busyness there is the need for periodic course correction and change in tactics to stay profitable, says Jayadev Menon
Words by: Jayadev Menon Photographs from: Various Sources
“Dream isn’t what you see when you are asleep, but the thing that won’t let you sleep” – Dr Abdul Kalam
Do you know what makes you get out of bed each morning?
If you have the answer to that question, I’ll say “Fantastic”! You are one of those rare individuals who know what they are doing and where they are headed – So, keep winning!
Those who said “No!” please read on.
Building a world-class enterprise, Being exceptionally good at one thing, Creating quality products, Leaving a Legacy, Making a difference in people’s lives – these are some of the reasons given by really Successful People.
They call it their Purpose, their raison d’etre. Look at it another way, only by setting your sight on something can you achieve greatness – otherwise you will just be firing randomly in the dark hoping to hit something till you get lucky!
Just yesterday, an entrepreneur in my business networking group said that Sales had been bad in the last financial year and the trend continues. He went on to add that his wasn’t an isolated case and the situation is so bad that many, like him, were thinking of quitting. It was clearly a case of missing the wood for the trees. Agreed that businesses have cycles and market conditions could be recessionary too. But, for an established business a downturn lasting even a year or two shouldn’t be the reason to quit, barring exceptional circumstances.
If your business isn’t doing well it is time you checked whether you have been doing the right things. Are you doing the same thing over and over again and hoping to be right the next time? Maybe, it is time for a different approach.
A New Year note received from my Chartered Accountant friend said “Congratulations, if you have made a mistake or failed in the last one year. It means you had the guts to try something new.”
There is the need for periodic course correction and change in tactics to stay profitable. But, such measures are short–term and tactical.
For the venture to stay relevant and successful in the long-term you need to have a clearly defined Purpose. It has to hold true no matter what the market conditions or what the returns in the current business period. One bad year cannot undo the ideals on which your business is built.
Having a clearly stated purpose does the following –
1. Gives clarity on what you will do, and won’t do!
2. There is authenticity in your actions and words.
3. It sparks creativity and excitement – work becomes a joyful activity.
4. It inspires you and your team to perform better.
5. It defines how you are perceived by the World.
In his Oscar acceptance speech Matthew Mcconaughey said that he was always chasing the Hero he would be 10 years from today – meaning that the quest to keep getting better than he is today fuelled his fire.
What is your motive force? What drives you?
The faster you are able to answer that question the further you will go, with greater assurance!
Jayadev Menon heads AKSH People Transformation, a consultancy that focuses on Talent Development and Business Transformation. He is a consultant, trainer and public speaker. Adventure Sports and Birding are his passions.
He can be reached at jayadevaksh@gmail.com