HAVE A PLAN “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” – Benjamin Franklin. By creating a plan, we must acknowl - edge the potential risks of a situation which makes it easier to identify a course of action if problems arise. Little things like leaving early to avoid being late, making a prioritized check list to ensure everything gets done, maintain realistic expectations, set reminders for important items, and the list goes on. Having a plan for success is another way to gain and maintain trust. Just one more thing to add, I heard a phrase many years ago that struck me as a critical element to building a great team and mutual respect – “trust, but verify.” There is nothing wrong with having a process of delegating responsibility, it will often increase efficiency and profitability, but verifying that tasks are completed to the required standard is necessary. Verification is not a sign of distrust but rather a method of quality control. All entrepreneurs know that they are ultimately responsible, therefore establishing a trusting relationship with employees, suppliers, and sub-trades is critical and verifying that a task will be completed, or materials delivered is simply due diligence. We should understand that trust is something most people want in their relationships; we desire to trust and be trusted. Trust is a feeling, not a fact or a number, and it is often this feeling of trust that is so powerful that will reward you with a client’s business, an employee’s loyalty, and truly long-term friendships and relationships. Work hard to establish trust and work even harder to protect it because once trust is lost it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to regain. I hope this article gave a few nuggets of knowledge that can help you as you move forward with your passion.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2020
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