The power of ‘no’
As featured on the Central Penn Business Journal:
Take a look at the most successful people in life and business and you will probably find that they all have something in common: a firm grasp on the power of saying ‘no’.
Knowing what to focus on to make the most of each day is crucial to your success, and so is mastering the power of ‘no’.
When I think of business people that thrive versus those that barely survive, the difference is clear: Those that thrive are keenly aware of what they do best and that is their sole focus. Ask those business people to do something that takes them off-task and they will readily tell you, ‘no thanks.’
Especially when you are a small-business owner struggling to get by, it is incredibly easy to say ‘yes’ to the wrong jobs, the wrong people and the wrong strategies. Keep in mind that you cannot be a solution for every problem and remain effective or competitive. When you take your business off-track, even for a small moment, things can quickly snowball to create low morale and lost opportunity. Your employees may well feel that you are unfocused or they may become bored because they are not applying their talents.
You may have to turn down the jobs that you are really good at because your resources are tied up in a side project you never should have taken on in the first place.
Take stock of what really makes you successful and maintain focus on those select areas. Make a short list of the six or less most important things you must do today and stick to it. Start saying ‘no’ to the distractions that serve only to derail your mission. At the end of each day, evaluate what distracted you and resolve not to make the same mistakes tomorrow. Each day that you renew this commitment, you will find that saying ‘yes’ is so much more productive and rewarding.
Filed under: Business, Central Penn Business Journal, Leadership