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.