Are you lazy or do you simply lack talent?

I first heard this startling inquiry from Frank Somma (www.franksomma.com). It is a remarkably clear and effective question.

If you prefer a kinder inquiry, then use the following:

"Is obtaining my objective a matter of working harder, or developing new skills?"

I have followed a number of people who have struggled with regaining employment since the financial crisis of a few years ago. These are good and talented people. They should have jobs by now. But guess what? There is a reason why they don't. That reason will be different depending on the person, but believe me, there is a reason. And the answer is revealed by honestly asking the lazy or untalented question.

When success is slow to come, or when results remain out of reach, don't scratch your head, shrug your shoulders or blame the world for your troubles...look inward and ask the question (you pick the version).

For those of you who are called to lead, don't short-change those you are trying to help with some careless pap of "just keep pluggin' along...something good will happen".

That is just being lazy.

It is the start that stops most success

Have you ever noticed the incredible energy that accompanies a good idea? You think about the possibilities. Your mind spins. Your heart races. You are invigorated with excitement. You share it with your team. They vocally support your inspiration. However, when you let up on the pressure, the old refrain is true…

When all is said and done, more is said than done.

It takes tremendous determination to escort a good idea or initiative through the gamut of resistance. Even the best of ideas are hammered by those who feel it is their personal responsibility to protect the status quo, or to protect you from yourself.

This is where leadership matters.

A leader helps people focus their attention on:

• opportunities rather than problems
• strengths more than weaknesses
• what can be done instead of what can't

When a business owner leads his organization to implement something new, there needs to be a healthy recognition that opposition will certainly rear its ugly head. A leader cannot be deterred or discouraged by such opposition. And, the most severe opposition will come very early on…when people see you are serious about this nutty idea of yours.

An experienced business owner or shop manager is savvy enough to realize that implementing an idea is more than simply deeming it so and everybody lines up and marches. Opposition will manifest itself in a myriad of manners. It will come from those who are reluctant to change; from those who lack the skills to change; and from those who are learning the skills to implement your vision (meaning they are committed to the cause, just not as proficient as they need to be yet). Understanding the mindset of opposition you are facing will help you apply the appropriate remedy.

Remember, it is the "start" that stops most success.