At Christmas we spend time with our family and friends. We share our time and speak to those we love. We look back on the year and reflect. We think about those who are no longer with us and reflect on the legacy they’ve left behind.
We welcome those who’ve joined our families through relationships, birth and/or adoption. We wonder what life holds for them in the future.
Those in business and charities might contemplate the achievements and the lessons learnt from the things that didn’t quite go to plan – there’ll always be one, two or even more!
This year has been one of those for me and HEALS (Help Encouragement And Local Support). There’s been huge ‘highs’ for me this has been my national award and Pride of Britain nomination. There have been times when I’ve had to pinch myself just to make sure that it was real. Who would ever have thought that it would happen to someone like me!
For HEALS it’s been the knowledge that the work we’ve done has literally helped lives. There have also been lessons to learn but these will make us stronger as an organisation for the future.
As I look back I’m left wondering why people and organisations fail. I’ve seen people start ventures be it businesses, community organisations, projects and along the way these have stopped, stalled, failed or just cease to exist, why? From what I’ve seen and observed there appears to be five key things. Either the individuals or organisations:
Have a negative attitude or ‘big fish small pond syndrome’ – they know what they want to achieve but they think they can do it all and it becomes all about them and any advice is perceived as negative
Are not being able to navigate through problems and issues – sometimes when things are going through a ‘rough’ patch they lack the courage or self-belief to deal with it and give up
Feel they are victims and refuse to take responsibility –holding your hands up to mistakes takes courage, being successful in business takes courage
Never make a plan or taking a strategic view – everything needs a plan but plans need to be flexible to take account of changes and possible risks
See collaboration as a threat – collaboration is the key to success, why ‘reinvent the wheel’
So how is it people and organisations succeed? Successful people and organisations set themselves apart from those who fail because they:
Are not afraid to ask for and listen to advice
Invest in something they know something about and seek expert help when needed
Think strategically, see the wider picture, focus on what needs to be done and write a plan
Have a positive attitude and never give up – they adapt
Think through challenges and issues and are able to find solutions
Are not afraid to admit when they are wrong and look for the lessons they can learn from every situation
As we all reflect on the year behind us and the journey, we have to ask ourselves are we successful? For me personally and for HEALS, if my observations of success is correct then I know we’re both on the right track for success.
I’m going to spend Christmas with those I love and care about in the knowledge that the future looks bright both personally and professionally.
alisoncrossjones 