The process of building a #LegacyCompany is a lot like the artistry of creating a painting in that the possibilities are endless. Starting with a blank canvas, what you ultimately produce is entirely up to your imagination and ability. What do you imagine? What is your ability?
Yesterday, Carrie and I attended a painting class where 20 people recreated an outdoor winter scene where trees covered with snow were glowing in the moonlight. After 2 hours, to say each person produced a uniquely different painting would be a gross understatement. Each brushstroke represented a choice and after thousands of brushstrokes, the cumulative choices resulted in dramatically different paintings; despite everyone pretty much having the same intention.This observation made me revisit, “How do business owners effectively lead a company in a desired direction when everyone perceives, thinks and acts differently?”
Does everyone have to think and act like you?
Micro-managers believe that they have all the answers to all the questions; and if everyone simply performed as told, the company will perfectly perform. The problem with this type of thinking is that: (1) Micro-managers are typically not the geniuses they believe themselves to be and (2) At some point, a company grows beyond the micro-manager’s ability to make all decisions all the time.
Ability to seek help is a huge asset. Students in the class who accepted suggestions for improvement from the instructor were able to create a painting that was closer to what they envisioned. Students who didn’t ask for help (like me) painted something that… Well let’s just say there was potential for improvement… #AskAndGetHelp!#LessonLearned! #LotsOfFun!
Alignment does not mean EXACT!
Building a company is a lot like creating a painting. The process is imperfect, and mistakes happen yet deliberate iteration leads a company closer to its intended destination. Unlike a paint by numbers project, there really is no single right answer when it comes to growing a company. Having said that, building a team of complementary individuals with diverse talents, and giving them the freedom to exercise their unique abilities, while providing necessary coaching and development along the way, is a safer and less risky way to build your company. Remember this when things do not turn out exactly as you envisioned. The masterpiece being created (your company) is the result of many artists (employees) bringing their talents to work each day. It is your job to help great employees realize their potential in pursuit of the company’s mission and vision; and analogously speaking, not telling them how to paint.