Testing…Testing…

No, I don’t wonder if this mic is working. I wonder if you do. I wonder if you can back up your desire to succeed with the work it takes to succeed.

I’m a firm believer in helping people, but, and this is really important, you have to demonstrate that you are willing to do the work before I’ll help you. What do I mean? Let me give you an example.

When I owned a business I wanted my staff, especially my manager, to understand the business from many perspectives, the employees, the clients, and yes, the owners perspective. At the time, a show was running on the Food Network called Restaurant Impossible. I asked my manager if he had ever seen the show. “Yes, I’ve seen it,” he said.

“Great,” I said, “watch it this week and let’s talk about it.” The lessons on that show, in a broad sense, were that you had to pay attention to the details. You have to know the business inside out and look at it from all angles. You have to approach every decision with the client, the employees, and your own interests in mind.

The next week, in our weekly meeting, I ask, “Did you watch Restaurant Impossible?”

“No, I was really busy this week,” he replied.

Knowing it was on in reruns daily I was disappointed but said, “OK, watch this week, I think it really offers valuable lessons especially for someone who is running a business like you are.” I bet you can guess what happened next week. Of course he didn’t watch a single episode.

I’ve never had a formal mentor but I view everyone I’ve ever worked for as a mentor, whether I learned what to do or what not to do, I’ve learned from every manager and co-worker alike.

Are you open to the lessons that are out there but unwilling to do the work necessary? The difference between success and mediocrity is the willingness to do the often simple work asked of you.