Life is changing all the time around us. Even when we think it is not, our world is changing on a micro and macro level. I feel that our life has changed a lot over the past months and we will see a lot of change in 2012 again. This year I have spent a lot of time getting to know a whole new business. Getting to know this new business has already taught me a lot of new aspects how to do business. This is a post from earlier in the year to give you more details on my changes, Changes in 2011.
Despite my doubts at the start I really enjoyed the past months. Including the highs and lows as strange as it might sound. The reason for this is that these experiences have taught were very valuable lessons. Today I want to outline three of these lessons.
Use the existing business network right from the start
Use the existing contacts and relationships of your predecessor and throughout the company as much as possible. Do not shy away from the fact that you do not know these new people. Make it your goal to get to know them instead of waiting for them to come to you. Every now and then you might meet someone that is dismissive or hesitant to help you but have the courage to continue where your predecessor left off. It will show your clients and business network that you have got what it takes to continue the business.
Be respectful and show that you are different
Be nice, treat everyone with the necessary respect, do not talk about something you do not know anything about, make sure your contacts know that you are serious about making business and most importantly, that you are different to your predecessor. In my case this means that aspects of CSR / Sustainability are always incorporated into every important business decision I make. Stay true to yourself and the values you believe in. Once you do that I am sure you will be a successful.
Show strength towards your peers but be empathetic
If you have any employees or line management, then a lot of time of your working day will be spent on making sure these people are doing what their job is and are happy. I am more of an empathetic person when we talk about leadership but I had to learn this year that a leader also needs to provide the strength to lead no matter what. And this sometimes means to make difficult and unpopular decisions in order to move the business forward.
There are a lot more lessons I learned but these three stand out. But you never know what the last 2 month will bring of course.
