I'm big on listening to the language of people when they're chatted with me and so I was listening intently to the parting words of Damien Hardwick, and the Richmond President and CEO to see how this would all play out.
And whilst I'm not a Richmond supporter, I can only commend all involved for the professionalism and wisdom which was on show for all to see in yesterday's press conference. All the quotes are from Damien Hardwick except insight 9 which is from John O'Rourke, Richmond's President.
9 Insights To Help Grow Your Small Business
INSIGHT 1 Go Out On Your Own Terms
If I couldn't give this playing group, the club, these people beside me the very best Damien Hardwick, I wasn't prepared to see it (my contract) out.
I want to leave the game loving the game, not resenting the game.
I've seen many staff stay in a job or business too long because they don't want to let the owner down.
And whilst that's commendable, you have to look deep within yourself and see if you're giving the business and person the best version of yourself; or are you seeking a new challenge?
The same can be said for small business owners. Again, I've seen many keep working in their business because they believe ending it would mean they have failed which isn't true.
I believe it's more important to check in on yourself and make sure you're doing the work you love, rather than pushing yourself every day doing something which no longer lights your fire, or in the worst case, is no longer profitable.
Some small business owners are better employees than owners, and it's better to admit this and change things rather than keep running an expensive 'hobby' small business.
INSIGHT 2 Ask Yourself The Tough Questions
I started to question myself about what it was like to coach Richmond. As soon as I started to ask this question more, I started to understand what the answer was going to be.
Many small business owners believe they have to be in the office every single day, doing 'EVERYTHING' otherwise the business won't be a success.
But you need to ask yourself the tough questions of what's the end game, are you the right person to still be leading this business and what work do I really want to be doing so you're always bringing the best version of yourself to the business every single day.
Because without doing the inward reflection to determine these answers, you'll never build a simple profitable business you actually love, and isn't that why you made the brave decision to start your own business in the first place?
INSIGHT 3 Get The Help And Support You Need For Success
The way this club supported me, gave me the best resources possible, the best people possible; it's a testament to what I think we've created. And I can never repay them for that because the easiest thing in 2016 would have been is to say 'let's find another guy'.
The silverware is a part of the people you meet and the journey along the way.
I've outlined below in my What's Next one of the many changes Damien brought about when he realised his coaching style and philosophy was no longer working.
And to the club's credit, they gave him the support, people and tools he needed to succeed.
But he had to firstly realise what he was doing wasn't working, and then be brave enough to ask the Board for help.
I believe the best gift you can give yourself and your team is the permission to ask for help and know it's not a sign of failure, it's actually a sign of strength.
So are you giving your business and team the very best version of you, or do you need some support, tools, skills, a break to re-ignite your passion and energy?
INSIGHT 4 Know When You Don't Have The Answers
It was time for a different voice. I've pushed every button I can and I've tried to cook the sausages 1000 ways and I couldn't find 1001 so I think the players deserve a new voice that will hopefully give them that spark and lead them to success this year.
I can relate to this statement so much for two reasons:
1. When I'm helping small business owners reset their teams including boundaries and expectations, I'll say the same words to the team as the owner has done on 20 occasions; and yet the team listen to me and change their behaviour.
Which of course frustrates the owner who says to me 'you said exactly the same thing as me but they're taking it on board'.
And my response is always this.
When tensions are high between staff and management, it helps bringing someone new in to solve the issues. And the reason this works is because staff feel listened to, they see you investing dollars in someone to help which mean you are valuing my expertise and process, and I'm not you.
As Damien said, there's so much benefit in players (aka your team) to hear a different voice because when it's been the same voice for many years, no matter how much you adapt and do things differently, people just get to a point where they want a change – simply to re-energise and motivate them again.
2. When you're so close to your business, it can feel like you can't see the wood for the trees and that's why I have a business coach – so they can provide an external perspective and see things I can't.
INSIGHT 5 Have A Clear Purpose
I wanted to create an environment where every day, the players would walk in with a smile and walk out with one, regardless of the result.
Culture is the key ingredient to a successful sporting team and club, just like it is in your small business.
So what environment have you created to ensure your team want to come to work happy and leave happy, regardless of what's happened that day?
INSIGHT 6 Set Your Team Up For Success
The coach is a very small part of it. The players play, and it's very hard to be the coach you want to be if you don't have the right players.
Your team needs your support and the best resources to succeed which includes documented procedures, training and time to develop and grow into their roles.
Ultimately, you want everyone including you working in their Sweet Spot 80% of every single day – doing the work they're good at and love doing so have you given your team the tools to succeed and do you have the right people to take you forward?
INSIGHT 7 Tough Times Tell You The Most
After every loss, I used to go into a cave and not want to come out. I've gotten a lot better at managing that.
Organisations are defined by their darkest times. Strong organisations back their people, and that's the one thing this club will stand for is PEOPLE COME FIRST.
The measure of the man, the measure of an organisation is in those dark times.
You can learn so much more about yourself, your business, your team and your customers when times are tough.
Who supports you, who stands by you, the lessons which need be learned and what needs to change so everything gets back on track.
So who's helping you when times are tough and how are you managing your mental health and wellbeing?
INSIGHT 8 Maintain Relationships
I'd rather leave too early than too late as I didn't want to sour the relationship with the club. I've seen first hand what it can do when relationships sour with coaching careers ending.
These people and this club are too special for me to be that, and I want to walk away with the very best memories which I will.
This goes hand in hand with Insight #1.
Sometimes we keep staff too long, we stay in a role in the business too long rather than delegating it to a staff member or we don't end a relationship with a customer which is costing us time and money.
If we do this, frustration usually ensues and relationships which were once harmonious become fractured.
So are you leaving it too late to delegate certain tasks and functions within your business, or moving on a staff member or customer?
INSIGHT 9 Legacy
History was created on his watch and for that, we will be forever indebted.
He'll be remembered for premierships, but he's given our club so much more.
He's taught us about genuine care, connection and the power of storytelling.
Powerful words wouldn't you agree?
Care, connection and storytelling – key elements I'm sure you want to be providing to your team and customers.
So what intangibles beyond the financial numbers are you imparting to your small business team?
How would you like to be remembered by your team and your customers?
