A Reality Check – It’s Time

How Ready are you for a Reality Check?

A Reality Check- Its Time!

Have there been times you smile when you’re simply too happy with yourself? Probably because you’ve experienced success in a particular area in your life, like maybe your business and you start smiling to yourself all day long? Well if you have, I’m here to burst your bubble, but only a little. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there? Here are a couple signs you may need to get out of your own way! Do you listen to your staff? When was the last time you touched base with the people who work for you? Typically you’re probably telling them the way you want things done, getting a report about so and so, but once in a while it pays to ask them if there are any blind spots. Areas you might be missing. Do you listen to your customers? I mean really listened to them, especially your loyal customers? You may have a thing or two to learn from them. You spend so much time making your products that you may lose a critical eye. But you can count on your customers to remain sharp! When was the last time you updated your skills? It’s always flattering to be invited to speak at events but it’s all too easy to get caught up in the pomp and circumstance of it. This becomes quite common in Nigeria if you are a small business owner who has achieved a small level of success. You have to find some kind of balance though. Workshops and conferences can actually run you over as a business owner. Not just in terms of splitting your time, but also because it’s easy to forget that you too need to embark on professional enriching trainings or events. Hey! I know that I’m asking you to do a lot of listening, but you’ll notice I say very little about what to do next. That’s because you don’t always have to take people’s advice and heed to their opinions. You should listen because you’ll sometimes be confronted with perspectives you may never have considered. Think of it as information gathering, not to believe or disbelieve but to weigh and consider. What do you think? Are you now ready for that reality check?

Wonuola Okoye Principal Coach Big Startup