Best Big-Business Moves for a Small-Business CEO

Large and small, all businesses have one thing in common: someone in charge. And that leader’s performance — good, bad, or mediocre — has an outsized and lasting effect on the organization’s success. Large companies know this and cultivate their top talent through leadership training at each career stage.

As a small-business CEO, you might not have had those opportunities. Like so many other things, you figured it out as you went along. But in a marketplace where you compete against the behemoths, wouldn’t it be nice to know their secrets?

To find out what the big players do to ensure their businesses grow and succeed, we spoke to David Rohlander, author of “The CEO Code: Create a Great Company and Inspire People to Greatness With Practical Advice From an Experienced Executive.” He shares these common mindsets and tactics used by large-business leaders that can translate to the small-business CEO’s needs:

Read more:  Best Big-Business Moves for a Small-Business CEO

RESOLUTION

Time to write the next book. I guess it’s the luck of the Irish that was shared with me.

First week of April I am having surgery and the recovery will take 2-3 months or more, so… thinking about what I can do to be productive, engaged and useful. My part Irish daughter-in-law, Amy, mentioned I had been talking about another book and it might be a good time to write it. I agree!

A bunch of years ago, 15+, I sprained my left ankle while running with Max my fantastic Boston Terrier. Over time it has caused problems. I had to stop playing racket ball, running was an issue and lately my ankle has given way and caused me to fall.

In addition to splitting my head open twice from falling I have visited five doctors. Each one had a different opinion. Finally, I went to a Dr. Peng who interviewed me for over an hour. When all the opinions were assessed it became clear as day what the real issue was. It wasn’t a stroke, neuropathy, drop foot, plantar fasciitis, vascular problems or symptoms of an impending heart attack. It was the wear and tear from a sprained ankle and a running accident many years ago.

Needless to say it took a major effort to resolve this medical dilemma. I have been fascinated by how similar this process and recognizing the patterns is to problems we all face everyday in business and our personal lives. How do you RESOLVE issues?

If you want to know more about how to do this, “find the real problem and resolve it” be sure to ask me for a copy of my new book, Resolution. It’s not about medicine, it’s about life and business. Do you like the title? RESOLUTION

The medical part:
Anatomy
The posterior tibial tendon is one of the most important tendons of the leg. A tendon attaches muscles to bones, and the posterior tibial tendon attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot. The main function of the tendon is to hold up the arch and support the foot when walking.

The posterior tibial tendon attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot.
Cause
An acute injury, such as from a fall, can tear the posterior tibial tendon or cause it to become inflamed.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

Time Is Money

 

Does your time relate to money? Many years ago when I was brand new to the profession of selling I created a lucite paper weight for executive’s desks with a three minute timer,  an Eisenhower silver dollar and three simple words: “Time Is Money.”

As the years have passed and one by one, I have checked off my goals, this simple idea has gradually become more and more meaningful. Now there is much more of my life behind me than I can imagine yet to come. That directly relates to time.

Earlier today I was chatting with a few business colleagues and they were asking about my experience flying fighters and being in war. I couldn’t help but think how fortunate I have been. Many of my friends have their name on “the wall” in Washington D.C. They died as young men.

One of my speaking topics is: “How to get back alive.” During this presentation I share how important it is to hit the target and come back alive! In business we use money to keep score and measure our level of success. Ideally we earn lots of money and also take the time to live a fulfilling life.

Money can give you the option to spend or invest time in pursuits that are personal. That’s a wonderful benefit of earning money. Theoretically, the more you earn, the more you will be able to have freedom and independence. My many years of being a financial advisor showed me that some people become obsessed with the money and “stuff.” Some of my wealthiest clients are horribly stressed out because they are concerned about losing some of their money or worst yet, they believe the only reason people like them is because of their money.

It is very important to earn money, that’s one of my primary coaching objectives working with clients. However, it is also critically important to deliberately use the money to enable you to spend or invest your time wisely. Ultimately, time is more important than money. Time is the essence of what your life is. How are you using it?

Many years ago there was a survey of senior citizens. They were asked if they had any regrets. Amazingly three things kept coming up as regrets.

1. They wished they had taken more risks.
2. They regretted not doing something personally rewarding or worthwhile.
3. They realized they were so busy, they didn’t take time to reflect.

Yes, time is money. You have the option to decide how much money you want to make and you also have the ability to choose how you will invest your time. Choose wisely my friend.