Those of you who follow me on social media are probably being entertained by the newest member of our family, Zaboo. His name is short for Zoboomafoo, which was a show that my kids watched when they were young about a black-and-white ruffed lemur.
Some months ago after much begging and pleading, my wife finally said yes. Not what you’re thinking, but to me getting a lemur.
If nothing else, it has been an eye-opener! Zaboo has reminded me of three crucial steps to take for the progress of my business. Let’s get into those three things!
Look Inside from the outside
When something happens on a regular basis in your business, you tend to forget about it, but it becomes your culture. So even though you have gotten accustomed to it, those coming in from the outside will see it for the first time and it will impact their decision on your business.
What I mean by this is, since I’ve had my lemur for a little while now, it’s normal for me to walk around the house, and he will jump from a counter or a table onto my shoulder, and I carry on like it’s normal. Well, It is normal for me. It happens all the time. However, when others see it, it’s shocking to them and gives them an impression good or bad.
What is happening in your business on a regular basis that has become your norm, culture is whatever you regularly do! So, what impressions is your culture giving out?
Take time to have fun!
Having fun seems like a regular thing, but when you are helping run numerous businesses, or you’re on various boards, or you have multiple kids doing different things it’s easy to go from place to place and only focus on tasks. Zaboo, is restless in the evenings and he wants to get out of the cage so he will make sure I don’t forget him. We put a diaper on him, and he starts scampering all over the house. He will intentionally play with me, and I can’t help but to slow down a little bit and laugh. If I don’t, he will jump on my computer, or on my desk, wherever I am working. It’s like having a two-year-old that can jump 8 feet high. Whatever he lands on he will pull down with him. He makes it where I have to be intentional to disengage from other things and spend some time with him, paying attention to him. Once he gets the attention he needs, he calms down, and THEN and only then can I get some stuff done.
How often are you disengaging from your business, is your team, your guests, having to jump on your computer to get your attention? Take some time to have fun and get rejuvenated.
Goal Setting
How bad do you want to hit your goals? I have a four post bed. We had it built 25 years ago, and it was made from old Cyprus trees and has branches going across it, making it the perfect jungle gym for an overzealous small primate. Sometimes my wife and I will just sit and watch, and it has been amazing watching him adapt to his surroundings. When he is going for something he is interested in, he will go for it no matter what his position is. I have watched him go after a fruit snack from a branch while upside down. Talk about desire! I have actually watched him do it with only one foot. Does he fall? Sometimes, but then he will do it again.
As a leader, what extremes will you go to hit your goal? Most of us will only go for it when its comfortable. If you’re not willing to go upside down to hit your goal, it’s not a worthy goal!! Apparently, a fruit snack is worthy! What is your fruit snack?