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The Competitive Edge Newsletter

Edition 40

Have you heard the story about...

...the forest worker who, while his sweating companions sawed continuously at the tree trunks, rested on a stump and systematically began to sharpen his saw? They mocked him for his laziness and laughed about him losing his job. By the end of the day however, with renewed energy and a sharp saw he felled the most trees and was richly rewarded. You may not be felling trees in your business but you too can be richly rewarded by taking time out to 'sharpen the saw'.

Sharpening the Saw

In First Things First, Stephen Covey, 'the hottest self-improvement consultant since Dale Carnegie, has this to say about sharpening the saw.

The term 'sharpen the saw' is a metaphor that describes the energy we invest in increasing our personal capacity in the four fundamental areas - physical, social, mental and spiritual. We often get so busy 'sawing' (producing results) that we forget to 'sharpen the saw' (maintain or increase our capacity to produce results in the future).

Covey suggests if we fail to exercise for example (physical area) or keep current in our field (mental area) we become dulled and unable to move forward effectively in other areas of our lives. So, by improving all areas of your life, you put yourself in the best position to enjoy a healthy, dynamic business. Even if you feel too busy in your business, try spending a short time daily 'sharpening your saw'. Here are some suggestions.

  • Have thinking time. Reflect on when you felt great about how your business was going. Can you identify why things were going so well and take some positive steps again towards that direction?
  • As Covey says, keep current in your field. What innovative steps can you take to fly ahead of your competitors, and keep your business in the forefront?
  • Take a look around your business as if you are an outsider. Does any area appear tired or drab? Without overspending, can you freshen, brighten, sharpen things up a bit so your customers know you take pride in your business and your team feel great about being there?
  • Read a book on leadership. I recommend Shackleton's Way - a real inspirational leader. Then implement one or two great ideas. Next read a book on team development and help your team work well together and achieve results. Be enthusiastic - it's infectious!
  • Keep your goals and aspirations in mind. Although your business benefits others - your customers and your team - it is your business and you know what you want out of it.

This is how Stephen Covey sums up, "An hour a day spent 'sharpening your saw' creates the private victory that makes public victories possible."

  • Seven Gifts that Multiply Happiness

    I have come across many business owners who are not happy. There are many resons for this: lack of money, long hours, can't get enough good staff, etc. But, even if things improve, these people won't necessarily become happy.

  • Happiness is a state of mind and, as such, we can choose to be happy, regardless of outside circumstances.

    Now this doesn't mean we go around with a simple smile on our face oblivious to what's happening around us. It means, as we absorb the ups and downs in life, we can still decide to be happy.

    Here are seven 'gifts' you can give away that will multiply your happiness and the happiness of those around you. And these gifts are priceless, they won't cost you a cent.

    Share Your Appreciation. We all want to feel appreciated. So, tell your family how much they are needed. Let your customers know you appreciate their business, and your team their effort. When you share your appreciation and gratitude, people will remember and appreciate you in return.
  • Share Your Time. Make sure you invest some time in family, friends and community. Being a scarce commodity, people will place great value on the special time and interest you spend with them.
  • Share Your Knowledge and Ideas. If you've read a great book, share it with others. One of the best ways to strengthen a new concept in your mind, is to share it. And, the more knowledge you share, the more you receive in return.
  • Share Your Friendship. Phone, send a letter or email friends or family you don't see often. Introduce two friends who don't know each other - bringing one individual into another's life can result in tremendous changes, for them and for you. Always remember, we succeed by the help of others.
  • Share Your Kindness. Just for fun, perform a daily random act of kindness - a smile, a compliment or a favour such as making space for a harassed parent in the supermarket queue. Make sure there is nothing in it for you except the pure pleasure of doing so.
  • Share Your Experiences. If someone - your child or your new employee - is struggling with a task, share how you too found things difficult in the early days. Let others see how these times have helped you become stronger and wiser. This helps create a strong bond of trust and friendship.
  • Share Your Enthusiasm. Dream of great things for your business, let yourself get excited and then share your enthusiasm. Tell your partner, your team, and your customers where you are headed. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to move in the right direction so your dream turns into reality.

      • If Not Now, When?

      I thought you might like this tip I read this morning, from Jason Gracia of Motivation123.

      If you want to achieve a goal, but find excuses and procrastination blocking the way, ask yourself "If Not Now, When?" Chances are you can do something right now that will bring you one step closer. And you only need to get one step closer every day.

      Why not stick these four simple words, If Not Now, When, in clear view and act on them daily? Because if the time isn't right, right now, when will it be? When things settle down a bit? Or perhaps when they pick up?

      Regardless of the excuse you use for inaction, the result is the same: nothing changes!

      So, finish off here, absorb the quote below, then do something positive for yourself right now.

      ____________________________________________________________Quote of the Month________________________

       

      "I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."

      George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright and critic.

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