What would you do if you get to play doctor for a day?

 

This was what I kind of did, when I had the opportunity to put on professional grade medical scrubs from Oslo Scrubs (https://www.iamoslozen.com). I had this opportunity because of the BNI business network I am in. I started my own business as a leadership trainer only 5 years ago. Back then I had run other people's businesses, but I had not built my own from scratch. It was my business community, the BNI Lighthouse Chapter, which helped me tremendously to get my business off the ground and to a sustainable stage. I learned to be a better entrepreneur. I received business referrals. I also built meaningful friendships. Being able to cosplay is just a minor perk. If you are in business, find a community of like-minded business leaders, and you will grow as your help others grow too. 

"What is the ROI I get out of your leadership training?"

 

If a potential client asks me this question, it usually means I will walk away from the discussion. Now it is fair to want training to be effective and to yield results. However when a potential client frames the question this way, it is an indication that they expect the leadership trainer to magically transform the participants into great leaders who quickly make more money for the company. Developing good leaders is not a 2-day affair, or even a 2-month exercise. A leadership training programme introduces leadership concepts and tools, and offers a platform for participants to reflect on their leadership. However it takes determined and consistent application of what they have learned to become good leaders. Leadership training is not magic. It is about opening minds and setting the stage for continued practice. 

The challenge of 2nd generation businesses #2

 

Lack of exposure outside of the family business. 

Some 2nd generation business owners started their career in the family business right after graduation. They have never worked for someone else other than family. They have not played the role of just an employee. They have always been the scion, the successor. They have a world view which is different. It gives them different insights, and also comes with limitations and blind spots. 

If this has been your path for the past 20 years, you can't go back to change that. What you can do is to spend time with people who have walked different paths. Not just your employees, but also friends with whom you have no business transactions or business interest. Acknowledge you want to leverage others' experience, and that will save you time and pain.