Business Lessons

from Able Leader, June 2010

by Steve Kaye

Suppose you wanted to take this photo.

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The process you would use involves lessons that may improve your business.

1) Show up.

If you show up, you can take advantage of being in the garden.

This is both basic and essential. Obviously, I had to show up in order to take this photo.

Many people don't show up for success. They make excuses, find distractions, or cause delays. As a result, they miss opportunities that they could easily obtain.

Every success begins by showing up. Then the next step is easy.

2) Do something.

If you do something, you will obtain a result.

Life is lived without a script. So we must act on our own, often taking our best guess in the moment.

Every action that you take produces a result. Sometimes when you're stuck, doing something - anything - can be a wise strategy because it tests the system. Then the results tell you what to do next. Of course, this leads to the third step.

3) Pay attention.

If you pay attention, the garden will teach you what you need to know.

For example, you will learn when different plants bloom, where birds land, and so on. In this case, I knew that this cactus was going to bloom the next day.

The same applies in every endeavor. The results of your actions are your paycheck for having taken those actions. Then you can apply what you learned to making wise decisions.

4) Be decisive.

If you act quickly, you will capture opportunities.

For example, a hummingbird spends only a few seconds at a flower. If you hesitate, it's too late.

Some opportunities in business exist for only a short while. If you wait, they disappear. Of course, this involves the art of knowing how to balance risk, rewards, and consequences. Wise leaders make this easier by being prepared.

5) Be prepared.

If you are prepared, you will maximize your ability to move quickly.

I had just set my tripod on the ground when this bird arrived. Since my camera was set for this type of photography, I was able to act effectively. I had also invested in professional equipment, which made the photo possible.

Similarly, leaders need to be ready to act on opportunities that arrive suddenly. They maximize their ability to do this by obtaining the necessary tools and skills.

6) Develop skills.

If you have good skills, you will be able to achieve more

I've been taking photos for 45 years. During that time, I've attended at least a half dozen workshops, seminars, and courses on photography. I've read dozens of books. I'm a member of the North American Nature Photography Association. And I am always learning more. And so, next time I expect to take a better photo.

Your effectiveness as a leader is directly related to your leadership skills. Enhance these skills by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences. Buy books. Make learning a top priority in your organization.

Then there's one more thing.

7) Be Kind.

If you are kind, you will be able to come back.

This applies in gardens and in business.

For example, if someone were to cut down this cactus, it would be gone. Yes, this may seem harmless because there are other cacti. And yet if enough people destroyed enough plants in the Arboretum, then there would be no garden.

The same applies to making ethical decisions. You can test your decisions by asking: What if everyone did this? What are the long-term consequences to the business? To the industry? To the public?

Thus, judge your actions in terms of obtaining sustainable results.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Call if I can help: 714-528-1300

P.S. Find my books here: Steve Kaye's Books.