Article: DECISIONS MADE EASY
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IT'S ALL IN THE WHY
I recently heard about a new coffee shop in my city that is a nonprofit, run by volunteers. Their profits support global victims of child trafficking. Immediately I thought - lots of staff turnover which makes for lots of training. Probably not the first thought that would come to your mind, but that's me, and that's how I think - how to make things simple.
I noticed on my first visit that there is only one size drink and a limited menu. Ah ha - that makes training easier. I recognized one of the founders, Chad Salstrom, sitting at a table and went over to talk to him. "How do you manage all the volunteers and training?" I asked him. "The key is simplicity, " he replied. "We have one size drink, and 11 drinks that we do well. We are not trying to be Starbucks or Peets, just us - simple. "
"How do you manage the staff?" I asked. "Our volunteers are asked to pick a weekly, four hour shift, and commit to it for three months," Chad continued. "If a volunteer has to miss their shift, they are responsible for finding their replacement. "
What a great example for all of us. Have we made the processes in our businesses as simple as possible? Which areas can we "uncomplicate"? Do we delegate responsibilities where they should be?
Then, Chad gave me the real bottom line. "We always focus on "why" we do this. We can't care about girls on the other side of the world if we don't care about the people right in front of us."
So here was the most important part of their business, they had clearly defined their "Why we do what we do" and has it drive them in every aspect. Now take a look at your business. What is the purpose of your organizaton? Does your "why" permeate everything you do and everything you communicate? Simon Sinek wrote a book "Start With Why". Here is a very useful short Ted.com video with him speaking. to this topic. Simon Sinek Video
What could happen in our businesses if we committed to take some time to ponder our "why" ?
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Consultant and speaker Christine Giri, AKA The Time Tamer, works with high-performing entrepreneurs and business professionals to increase individual and organizational performance. Christine is available to speak and consult on a variety of professional productivity topics including Time Management, Work flow Processes and Effective Delegation. With humor and insight, Christine’s straightforward style and ability to deliver valuable content will empower you to improve and grow your business.Christine can be contacted through her website at www.timetamerconsulting.com or at 916/435-2862.
