Like him or loathe him, Obama had the family jewels to cancel the moon return project on Monday.

Your turn (it doesn’t have to be as big).

thomas valaitis leadership cancel project, obama

Also called a “mufty” day, a dress down day provides a relaxed atmosphere and a more comfortable environment for your staff to be themselves.

I propose most business should have 2 of these every week, but I suggest you go even further!

On these 2 days tell your staff they don’t even have to come into work.

thomas valaitis leadership, staff

It’s likely if you work for yourself, you are responsible for asking “why”…

“why are you doing that”, “why is that taking more time than we expected”, “why isn’t this working”

Asking “why” is easier to do when you are observing as opposed to doing, so it’s easier to ask other people “why” then it is ourselves.

Having somebody ask you “why” can give you a fresh perspective or outlook. But when it’s the company owner or project leader asking the question, it’s the detail that gets examined, rather than the bigger picture.

Ironically, it’s the person directing a company or project (you) that needs to be asked “why” more than anyone else.

Otherwise you can end up doing pointless stuff really well.

thomas valaitis leadership, success strategies

Did your business start out with one objective (or none) and have you lost sight of that objective along the journey.

For example, is your main aim to just make a lot of money, and then eventually sell up?

Do you do something that you love and care about, and your business is just a platform for you to do it?

Have you taken on staff who you care about and you now want to ensure their futures and security?

Are you just looking to survive and pay the bills? (perhaps a short term goal).

Do you seek to do good in the community and improve other peoples lives?

Are you trying to build a legacy for your family?

When was the last time that you thought about what you would now consider to be your business being a success?

thomas valaitis leadership, success strategies

Tell them this:

Good results and figures are like food for business owners. The more full you are, the less often you will ask when the next meal is.

(Note of caution to the pestered: The more fat your boss gets, the more frequently she will expect to eat!)

thomas valaitis leadership, reputation, staff

Most of your days are spent telling your staff how stupid they are, laced with a few other essential duties – right?

Well, consider what would happen if you spent a day (week?) having a go at answering the phones, or filling out the forms, or typing up the notes, or operating the cash register, or picking/packing stock?

Some might say you’d remember (realise?) what your business was all about.

Only problem is…your staff might (mistakenly) realise you’re stupid too. Forget it.

thomas valaitis leadership, staff, success strategies demoralise, dirty hands, essential tasks

Using simple analogies to clarify complex concepts to your customers and staff, is like cutting the arse off a bearded lizard.

thomas valaitis leadership, networking analogies, clarify messages, communication, complex explanations

A whiteboard can bring a meeting to life and it can put one to death. It is often the focal point of most peoples attention, and an idea can remain visible long after the intial point has been made. This can work against you if there are other peoples ideas on the board, particularly if they are rubbish ideas. Always remember…control the pens and you control the meeting.

Don’t be afraid to write profanities or draw genitals on the board during a meeting. This has impact and makes your other points stick in the mind. If you do this however, be sure to leave any offensive material visible for the next meeting, ideally one with an important customer or partner.

thomas valaitis leadership, networking, staff genitles, meetings, profanity, whiteboard

There are 365 days in the year, you’ll probably work 215 of them. You’ll probably work for at least 40 years. That’s at least 8,600 days of work.

Today doesn’t have to count. Put your foot on the brake. Why not just spend today messing around.

Remember…there is always plenty of time left, so why not get today’s stuff done tomorrow?

thomas valaitis leadership, success strategies

The worst thing you can do as a leader is change your mind. Once a decision is made, you must stick to it regardless of the consequences.

Even in the face of compelling new information or circumstances, you must always stick to your original decision.

Altering decisions is week, and ultimately leads to all of your decisions being questioned by those around you.

thomas valaitis leadership, staff, success strategies