Secrets to Success
Secrets to Success
Revolutionize
your work lifeHave you ever wondered why some businesses thrive and grow while others struggle to barely stay afloat?
Usually it's the quality of questions asked by the leaders of the company. If you are looking to get better results in your business life, start asking yourself better questions.
When I have the opportunity to talk with successful business leaders I ask them, "What questions have you asked yourself that have subsequently given you the answers that have transformed your business?" So far I have a list of 60 powerful questions.
One theme was evident throughout each business leader's answers. The successful companies had leaders who understood that their employees were their greatest asset. They knew if they didn't take care of their team, they wouldn't have a successful company for very long.
Let me give you seven questions that have proved to be revolutionary in creating powerful teams that in turn are committed to the success of the company's bottom line. (Plus I threw in a powerful "bonus question").
1. How, specifically, can I demolish a reactive business model and forever operate in a proactive mode?
2. Is our hiring process systemized, accurate in assessing "soft-skills" and designed to create a win-win relationship between the company and the employee? If not, what do we need to do to make it that way?
3. What is our current system for training and developing employees' full potential for optimal customer satisfaction and maximized net profits? Could it be better? How specifically?
4. What is the "culture of communication" within our company? Where can we improve? What is our target date for making these improvements?
5. How are evaluations and professional development issues handled? Is there a formal/fair system in place?
6. Is compensation truly "results-based" or are we paying people on "time-in-class"?
7. What systems are in place to foster team development? What systems can I integrate into our business that will help make our teams more productive and self-motivated?
Bonus question: What is the leadership culture of the business and how effectively does it foster self-generated growth?
Do any of these questions reveal gaps in your business systems or your thinking about sustained business growth? If they do, it's time to get serious about finding the answers. To get started, write down the questions that you think will have the most impact on your business and prioritize your list. Then start seeking the answers.
Find and read books that address your top questions. Research and attend seminars, workshops and tele-classes so you can learn how to initiate changes on your own.
Enlist the assistance of a mentor, consultant or business development company and take a systemized approach to finding solutions to your most important questions.
Whether you're a business leader or simply working in a business, learn to ask yourself better questions in order to get better answers. Better answers will lead you to better results. Better results will lead to better teams, more self-sustaining systems and increased profits.
If you would like to read all 62 questions to expand your business thinking and revolutionize your business life, send me an e-mail.
John-Paul Micek is the lead business coach
and chief operating officer of RPM Success Group. Reach
him at JPM@RPMsuccess.com or (888) 334-8151.