Why Your Company Isn’t As Special As You Believe
How many people could build the business you’re building?
How many people could fill the roles on your team?
How many suppliers could deliver what you need?
…..
More than you think.
One of the traps I see leaders fall into is believing in the “specialness” of their organization.
But your company isn’t as special as you believe it to be.
Other leaders could build the business you’re building.
Other people could fill the roles on your team.
Other suppliers could deliver what you need.
And while that might be a hit to your ego, it’s ultimately a very freeing concept.
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When you believe too much in being special, you instantly limit your options.
Example: I was recently working with a client who wants to expand to another location.
They have a specific business, and it’s true that they can’t just set up shop in any office park in Massachusetts.
But when I asked about options for another site, the response was immediate: it’s not possible.
“Oh, really,” I asked.
“This particular piece of property that happens to be located two towns from your home is absolutely the only place in the entire state that could house your business?”
Well, when you put it that way….
I see it all the time. The company needs to make a key hire, move to a new location, find a particular partner.
The knee-jerk reaction: not replaceable, not possible, not repeatable.
Pull back for a second. Does it seem likely that there’s just one person, one place, one company in the world that can give you what you need?
I don’t buy it.
Neither should you.
***
The trap of specialness is that it avoids difficult work. And often, we confuse “difficult” with “impossible.”
You must be willing to put in the effort—more than you want to.
You have to be open to hearing NO—in fact, plan on it.
And you probably need a much longer timeline than you think (try doubling your expectations, to start) to get it done.
But those things aren’t impossible. They’re hard. And frankly, so is running a business.
***
There’s a happy ending for my client.
They DID find a new location.
That move will likely increase their business 30-40%.
So not only will they be able to achieve their ambitious targets, but they’ve also learned that they can replicate what they're doing now.
The hard work was worth it.
Next time, it will be a little easier.
(Incidentally, this same company took a year to find the right salesperson to replace someone who was “irreplaceable.” Today, they have a small sales team of people who can do the job. I’m extremely proud of their tenacity.)
So, you’re not as special as you thought. That’s okay. Being a little more ordinary gives you more options, more ways to succeed.
Keep going.
