How Would I Know That?

Our seasoned veterans typically relate to their experiences at a holistic level and apply their experiences to a situation not as one single experience but rather as a combination of experiences. By applying this combination, we often see the situation in an entirely different perspective from someone without those same experiences. Typically, our view through these past experiences does not relate to the situation as “black and white” but rather as many shades of gray. Our vision of a situation is not some gift we were born with like a fortune teller, but rather as the outcome of a collection of things we remember that happened with consequences and rewards attached. Not to get too weird, it is more like being the village elder … or in today's language, a mentor.

Working with these new leaders is fun and highly rewarding. They learn rapidly, and they are very appreciative of the people they work with and the opportunities they have. They deserve all the help and support they can get and are well worth the investment of an experienced person's time. Small business drives our nation's economic production, and it has been the backbone of all of the economic recoveries I recall. These entrepreneurially driven businesses are the equivalent to the economy of what the media likes to refer to as the common man to our society. If it is true that more than half of the people who manage today's small businesses have never experienced a significant downturn, then it is true that they can use some help.

I remember during my first downturn experience, we received buttons to wear. The button said, “Business is good!” Our orders were to “wear these until I tell you to stop.” Naturally I had to ask why, and I was told “anyone can talk about how bad it is, but not everyone can do something about it. I want the people you call on to ask you what makes us think business is good, and I want you to be able to tell them. Some day they will remember you as the one with optimism and a positive message. Anyone can bitch!” That was more than 50 years ago, and it was my dad and his dumb buttons with a perfect message and perfect timing that turned our heads in the right direction. I saw buttons floating around the ASHRAE show that said, “I refuse to participate in a recession!” I laughed to myself and thought those buttons came from someone who had been through this before, and I bet that person has gray hair, a good sense of humor and a very seasoned base of experience. I bet that is someone's mentor.

So I'm writing to two audiences: those who are young enough to have not been through a downturn, and those who are old enough to know that it is survivable, potentially healthy and one heck of a painful learning experience. What I know today has come from those experienced people whose paths I have crossed, the mistakes I have made, the victories that came from decisions followed by implementation and the consultative/coaching work I'm fortunate enough to be doing today. The neatest thing with all of the work I do is how that work is so rewarding. I have never “taught” without learning, I have never “learned” without growing, and I have never “grown” without feeling younger.

So if you are in your “senior” phase, think about what this current generation of managers needs to know. The smart ones are scared, and if I asked you what they are frightened of, you would tell me “the unknown.” Bang! You are right on, and it is “unknown” because of the simple statement that I was hit with by one of them: “How would I know that?” So if you've been through it, look around and see who you can help by sharing your experience. Don't wait for someone to ask you what you think, and please don't wait for them to get into unnecessary trouble. Offer what you know with the simple question, “How are you coming along with _______ ? Any way I can help?” We need our village elders.

Phil Garrett is a former HARDI (NHRAW) president. He is also president of Systematic Selling. Contact him at 336/574-1484 or Phil@PhilGarrettBusinessCoach.com.