I have a business friend who keeps telling me that we have to “take the scenic route.” I was recently thinking about this phrase, and I came to the conclusion that being part of a small business is like taking the scenic route. One never knows what’s around the bend.
Just when one thinks the road ahead is smooth, a huge pothole jumps out to greet the driver. Sometimes the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, sometimes it’s filled with peaks and valleys full of beauty and color, and sometimes the road seems to go on forever through what we Wisconsinites call “the flatlands.” And anyone who takes the scenic route knows it also involves meeting and surviving new challenges, and learning new things along the way.
I’m “organizationally intentional,” so sometimes it takes me awhile to get on the scenic route. I tend to agree with Michael Jordon’s quote: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” I want to be in the crowd that makes it happen.
I’m not joined at the hip with my calendar, but several people I know who are very organized for success are never parted from their tablets or their cell phones. In fact, not too long ago, Dave and I attended an out-of-town event and were seated at a table with a high-powered, well-known business executive who spent the entire evening texting to complete a big deal. I wanted to learn the secret for his success so I invited him to get together for coffee. Here are some things that make for a good day in the life of “Mr. Big”:
- Think of work in terms of results instead of activities. Keep a daily action plan. Keeping track of what you got done helps keep you focused.
- Stand up, if you can, while working.
- Only watch the clock on routine tasks.
- Don’t rush. Do things right the first time.
- Don’t multitask. Zero in on what has to be done and complete one project at a time.
(Continued)
It’s quite clear that Mr. Big is in charge of the big picture for his company. He may never take a few minutes during his workday to dream about a week on a beach with a good book. That’s too bad for him. Even when he’s supposed to be having fun, he’s still working. The scenic route isn’t for him.
I have to see some scenery in my ride through business. I like taking time to meet people, find out what excites them, and learn new things from them. Robert Orban said, “Time flies. It’s up to you to be the navigator.” And then there was my father, a very successful businessman, gone for many years, whose favorite song was “Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think).” He knew how to do business while taking the scenic route. I’m just like him.
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