3 Ways to Positively Make the Final Four in Business

March 26, 2012 - PRLog -- The NCAA March Madness tournament started with 68 teams a few weeks ago. Now four teams remain.

How did these four teams make it this far?

And what can you discover from their success that will insure you positively make your Final Four and win your business tournament?

Here are three ways to positively make your Final Four in business.

Anticipate the Unexpected
Two #15 seeds defeated two #2 seeds in the same day in the first round. It was the first time that ever happened in NCAA March Madness history.

Did anyone’s bracket anticipate that one?

Duke is one of those defeated teams. As Coach K said in a post-game interview, “Basketball is a funny game.”

So is business. On some days at work, every shot you take you score, like those two #15 seeds. Other days, it feels like every shot you take is an air ball, like those two #2 seeded teams. Some days are “Wow!” Other days are “Woe!”

The good news for you is that unlike the tournament, it’s more than “one and done” for your business. You can keep coming back to work for another day.

Anticipate the unexpected. Show up for work the next day.

Avoid the “Business will be better when…” Attitude
UNC’s point guard, Kendall Marshall, broke a bone in his right wrist. Roy Williams said before the Kansas game when his team would play without his star guard, “Regardless, Carolina will play basketball today.”

He could have said something like, “Our team might not win against Kansas without Marshall.” But he didn’t.

Avoid saying, “Business will be better when…
   …the economy improves”
   …people go back to work”
   …we move to a new location”
or something like that.

Like Roy Williams, put your best team on the floor of your business daily. Wishing for something different in your business is counterproductive unless you can and do act to change it.

Avoid the “Business will be better when” attitude. Change what you can today to improve…including your attitude.

Accelerate Your Strengths
Of the Final Four teams, there is only one regional #1 seed remaining. That means that the anticipated strengths of the three other #1 seeds were unrealized.

The uncertainty of today’s economy distracts many business professionals. The temptation is to focus on those diversions and attempt to control the uncontrollables, allowing the other “team”—the negative economy—to dictate your pace and momentum, relegating you to reacting.

Instead, focus on the positives of your business and accelerate your strengths. Push them out front in your core business. Market them heavily. Deliver them tirelessly.

If exceptional customer service is a strength, treat every phone call, email, and personal interaction with loving care. If value pricing is a strength, get out your sharp pencil. If you attract top talent with stellar employee relationships, keep finding ways to improve their satisfaction.

The ultimate court of competition is your home court. It’s within you and your business.  

Anticipate the unexpected. Avoid the “business will be better when” attitude. Accelerate your strengths.

Make your Final Four and positively win the March Madness championship of your business.

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Dr. Joey Faucette is a speaker, coach, & best-selling author of Work Positive in a Negative World: Redefine Your Reality and Achieve Your Business Dreams who coaches professionals to redefine their reality and achieve their business dreams. Discover more at www.ListentoLife.org/speaking.