High Water Covers all Stumps

This is just a great way to describe the mentality when things are going well. When the water is high, all the problems seem to disappear and the mood is elevated and working on long term results seems less important.  However, let the waters recede, and the stumps show their ugly, dangerous heads. They were there all the time, but the high water, and the stumps lack of visibility, made them seem somehow less dangerous.

Selling products or services, maintaining profitability, working towards greater efficiencies, foreseeing the future in your industry are all things on which a business owner needs to keep a keen eye, and a sharp planning tool.

What can you do when the water is high to remember the stumps are there, so when it recedes you are not surprised at the dangers, but are equipped to navigate around them, go over them, or pass through them safely?

Here are some tips to keep you focused when times are good and when they are bad:

• Always lead with optimism, even when you can see those stumps
• Collaborate when it makes sense to do so and is practical and relevant, but watch that action is occurring and abandon process if stagnant.
• Building a culture of excellence will always pay off. Focus on it. Build it. This is a great way to get through the tough times.
• Change is good, as we live in a constant state of it. Be an agent for change.
• Go forth and be a fearless leader.

You go where you look so look where you want to go. This will get you through high water and the stumps.