Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

Few people set out to believe in one fashion or another. Rather the things we see, do and the behavior of those around us begin to shape our thinking, from a very early age. Later in life, as we encounter examples to the contrary, they are likely seen these as exceptions, outliers with little or no relevance to our situation. In life the things we don’t know hold us back far less than the “things we know” that just aren’t so.

An extreme example might be a person who is prone to rage. Likely, from a young age, when things did not go as they wished they reacted with outrage. This brought attention, good or bad. Sometimes either is better than none and in time negative attention may even be seen as good. This belief has a profound effect on their life. It drastically changes the way others react towards them and thus their view of other people in general.

If I accept that the world is a hostile place, I am far more likely to react to it in a hostile manner. My hostility is likely to create the same as a response and may further reinforce my belief. There is also compelling evidence that the way we act tends to influence the way we think. The more we act in a vengeful manner, the more vengeful we may actually feel.

Contrast this with a person who accepts a philosophy to simply forgive and forget. The same sort of things occur in their lives, but instead of rage, they tend to put these things in the past and move on. People react to such a person in a very different manner. This person more likely sees the world as a non-confrontational place. A place to enjoy and be productive? Their behavior tends to reinforce their thinking and their life is quite different as a result. Both people have experienced reality, though neither may realize the effect their own beliefs have had on the outcome.

As business management is simply a part of life, the same can be seen. Our outlook tends to influence our relationship with clients, employees, vendors and so on, for the good or bad. Questioning the things we believe is quite difficult and often unpleasant. This is why so few people actually make sweeping changes to their lives. People instead tend to rise to a point their beliefs can support, and then remain there. If they are content, they accept this. If they are not content, they tend to make excuses.

This is why simply installing a more successful strategy is not possible. There is no “how to” guide for success. Rather we must evaluate the things, we have over the years accepted as true. Contrasting our beliefs with a proven strategy can be helpful. In the end, it will be a willingness to accept change [in ourselves] and see a more accurate reality that will make improvement possible.

_________________
Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA

[Tom Ham]

Louis:

One of the primary points of view that I have come to employ is that of small and steady movement in the proper direction. Far too many folks want to get from point "A" to point "B" and want to get there now. Talk about setting things up for failure!

We closely monitor trends. The current results may be "unacceptable", but how do they compare to where we were last month, last quarter, last year? If they are better, we are winning and hopefully have found the means to continue on that trend.

No, things are not all better right now, but we can see them getting to where we want to go.

_________________
Tom Ham
AutomotiveManagementNetwork.com - Hams Management Systems

[Louis Altazan]