Back to work today.
In a year notable for its employment and economic anguish, a sentiment that comes with particular resonance.
Much has been made of the turmoil and disruption that has taken place within most industries. Few have been exempt. However, take a moment to look around and you will see that in most cases the players are still the same.
And despite a lot of talk about change, little has happened except revenue and profit margins have been badly damaged. For the most part, despite all the advice to the contrary, most business owners are hanging on.
I have written before that the problems with windows of opportunity is that we tend to see them after the fact.
When they are closed.
The remainder of 2009 represents the best window of opportunity any of us will see in our professional lives.
The possibilities for what we could do with our businesses, and with whom will never be richer. Nor has there ever been more awareness of the need to change the purpose of our companies so they offer value over the near and long-term future. To our customers and to ourselves.
We can use these next three and a half months to build the foundations of companies that can make dreams come true.
Or we can wait until the window of opportunity becomes clearer.
If you choose the latter, bring Windex.
Or you won’t be able to see the people who made it through, for the finger marks of those who didn’t.
