The best defense, it’s been said, is a good offense. Many companies seem to buy this one hook and line, until they become a “sinker.” Funny, huh.
Most companies, when they experience some level of success, believe they have this baby figured out, a compelling value proposition that nobody can touch, the best people in the industry, and that the only thing left to do is to repeat the model. If one store is good, two would be better, and three would be better yet. If we’re dominating the midwest states why can’t we dominate the coasts? If we’re dominating the United States, why not the world? If we’re making millions in our current state why can’t we make billions in our dream state? If what we’ve got is working, lets get more, more, more. This is blind optimism, the seeds of hubris, and repeated throughout history. It just is.
The best defense, in reality, comes from asking the best questions.
The best defense for your success? Ask more why, why, why questions. Not the why can’t we do more kinda questions from above, but the kinda why questions that bring clarity to why we’re winning, why we’re attracting, why we’re getting whatever results we’re getting, and why “we believe” these answers are sustainable. The greatest leaders ask why, why, why when they taste success or defeat. Normal ones simply respond with more, more, more or cut, cut, cut.
Need a visual? Study Zingermans Deli in Ann Arbor. They know exactly why I keep stopping by whenever I’m in their area. They know exactly why they’ve said no to franchising and yes to anybody that wants to taste anything they’ve got. They just do.
They keep asking the right why, why, why questions. You’ll never taste a more delicious sandwich, you’ll never pay more, and, if you’re like me, you’ll be glad they’re living out their OPUS in Ann Arbor.
The best defense, for your success, is knowing why, why, why.
Do you?
BUILT TO LEAD 