No matter how skilled one becomes at mountain climbing danger lurks at every step. Whether experienced or new to the sport, most climbers take a guide with them to show them the way, encourage them when they feel like turning back and increase the chance the chance they arrive safely.
This metaphor of mountain climbing inspired me to write this column. I wanted to expand and deepen our understanding of constantly increasing our altitude in business and personal skills as we strive to become better at what we do. Training for the climb requires desire for success, the proper tools and a strong guide. No doubt the climb is difficult but if you stick with it you will reach greater heights of achievement.
Mountain climbers represent how individuals striving for a goal can achieve what others consider impossible. Reaching the summit, however, is usually far more than a personal achievement for it almost always depends upon a collective effort, with the contribution of each member being required for the success of all. As the Japanese leader of a Mount Fuji society puts it, “The most important thing in climbing is the inner strength to help each other, so that not just the strongest, but all the members of the group reach the goal.” Taking others with us on the climb makes each of us better individually.
This sets forth the concept of the importance in our dealership for total quality team work, equipping with the proper tools and consistent training in the elements that will take us higher in our achievements.
How many high achievers lack enthusiasm? How many great leaders do you admire who were indifferent to their cause or belittle their people? Positive leadership opens the door for personal and team achievement. Action makes it a reality. When you’re passionate about what you are doing, commitment and then action naturally follows. You don’t have to try to produce enthusiasm because it naturally sweeps over you like a tidal wave.
Competence creates confidence which is a key element for your enthusiasm towards any action plan. If you know what you are doing and what is expected then you have developed a sense of competence which in turn will give you confidence in all you do.
This concept holds true for your team. Give them the concepts, tools, extra training, endorsement of their importance to the store and finally encouragement that they can indeed make the summit of success. This helps them develop a passion for their business and when passion infects the entire team they become unstoppable in their quest for greater achievement.
Passion turns your “have-to-dos” into “want-to-dos.” It creates a flame of motivation inside you that never goes out. People with passion enjoy the climb up the mountain of success as much as they enjoy reaching the summit. They are constantly growing, learning, helping others and reaching new heights. If you have passion, you’ll never need to jump start yourself to get going.
If anything, you must force yourself to slow down a bit, take a breath and evaluate your progress. Passion will keep you going when the chips are down, the odds are high, the pressure to perform is great, the obstacles are many and the resources are few.
A few years ago a Mt. Everest Climbing guide during an interview talked about the crazy weather changes, the hazardous conditions, the fatiguing efforts required and the risk of death the team faces in the effort to reach the top. The interviewer then asked the guide the following question: “Why would anyone take the risk to climb to the top?” He responded, “Obviously, you’ve never been to the top.”
The view from the summit does indeed make the climb worthwhile. And, the same concept holds true for business. The view when you and your team succeed is awesome.
“Everest? Don’t forget it’s really just a big pile of rocks.” — David Breashears
A little plus a little equals a lot. If we can consistently develop training and encouraging motivational curriculums to guide our team to the top little by little it will add up to great things.
“Strong motivation is the most important factor in getting you to the top.” — Edmund Hillary
Strong motivation needs to be at our core as leaders in order to have a team that wants to follow us to the summit of being their best. What tools, leadership and encouragement are you supplying them with daily, weekly, monthly so they can make it to the top?
Success does not come naturally to most. Most of us, including myself, are constantly working and thinking of overcoming obstacles and forced to find alternative trails towards success. And, the dream must be visualized as something we can manifest and make real.
What is required to ensure that individuals and the team reach the summit in performance?
Have Patience
Know that it does not happen overnight. There are five camps along the way before one reaches Mt. Everest’s summit. But if you have tenacity, the 29,029 foot top can be reached. At each camp there are lessons given to the climbers as to what to expect next and how to get ready. They are encouraged, taught new insights, nourished. The guide points the way they will be going and how to do it. And, they give the team time to adjust to the new altitude each time before continuing the assent. Same in our business – teach it correctly and make sure they get it before taking them to new training elements. Competence creates competence.
Have The Right Tour Guide In Your Store To Show The Way
If you have not read my article from March (“Going from Tourist to Tour Guide”) you should because it gives the directions for this. If you have, then you know the importance of developing a tour guide in your store to take people to higher levels of achievement.
Provide The Best And Most Current Tools
Make certain you have avilable the newest practices and training material in preparing for the climb to success. We do not use the old hemp ropes in mountain climbing anymore. We use high strength woven poly and nylon lines.
Similarly, throw out the pounds of old school material and seek out the new leading edge material that changes everything and allows the team every opportunity for improvement. E-mail me and I will send you ideas of what you should acquire for the climb to improvement.
Follow The Map
A mountain guide does not point to the top and say “Good luck, see ya.” No, they show the way, teach the way, give goals and lay down solid processes to get us there.
Processes have long been misunderstood. Essentially a business process is a collection of related, structured activities or tasks that produce a specific outcome. Maybe the outcome is improved sales, gross profits, greater conversion of Internet/phone inquiries to appointments, better closing ratio, better retention, better customer relations, lower attrition, better team work or stronger store leadership.
These all require processes or maps to get us there. Here is a staggering question for most dealers; what does your three to five year business plan look like? Better have one or else it is all about “How many have you sold today.” Solid processes in place are critical for going to higher levels of success. Without them it is like putting up a base camp tent and starting with the roof material. Without a rock solid foundation the roof has nothing to make it stand up and it collapses. Technology represents only 10% of the CRM equation and good processes — people and training make up the remaining 90%.
As always, I really appreciate you taking time to read this material as it shows a diligence towards yourself improvement. Growing leaders grow themselves first, then their team. If you can gather even one thing to help improve your team it is a good thing. Charging in the direction for constant improvements in your store and your people will take everyone higher than before. Send me an email chuck@impactgroupcrm.com if you want a few more tips on growing your store and your people.