If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes

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My wife started saying the phrase “If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes” around New Year’s. She was sharing it with our family to help us rethink how we would take on 2022. It got my attention, but it wasn’t till the third time hearing it that I thought “Oh no! I don’t have a new plan for the things I really want to change. This is not good!”

 

We did our company kick-off meeting this week and I put this phrase in the presentation. For a few years I have asked our employees to choose a word for the new year. I wanted people to think about how they would bring it fruition. What must you do differently in 2022? How are you going to be intentional? Will this word impact your behavior in 2022?

 

I shared on LinkedIn this week how 2021 almost broke me. I confessed the same thing to my company. Every area of my life was being attacked. My dad, hero, and mentor experienced a spinal cord injury that has left him partially paralyzed and completely dependent on 24/7 care. I’ve tried to help my mom and dad during this difficult time, but I hadn’t done so well. I had to try to find a balance in my personal life, keep a focus on CCB, launch IOL with Steve Scherer, watch employees leave, strategize to keep employees, keep management united, and hire a new VP of Finance all while trying not break while the world crashed around me. How did I make? My faith. My family. My friends. My management team. Thankfully I have surrounded myself with key people who show up when I need them.

 

I have no idea what 2022 is going to bring this year. It surely can’t be worse than 2021! However, I already had someone resign the day before the kick-off, so what was I going to do to help show my heart for employees to stay with me? If nothing changes, then nothing changes! That kept ringing in my head. So here is what I did…

 

I offered all employees who stay with us through the end of the year a $1,000 bonus to be paid out before Christmas. Also, I offered to shut down the company from December 23rd-January 1st if all departments hit their goals. We win as a team and celebrate together.

 

I’ve never offered a Christmas bonus for staying all year. It was new! It was different! I wanted people to know that I am trying to help show my appreciation for them as employees who help me get through this rebuilding year. My word for 2022 is “REBUILD”.

 

What can you do in 2022 as a leader to help bring passion, appreciation, and excitement to your team? Life is short, so don’t play it safe. Take chances on showing your team how much you appreciate them. You are not alone as a leader! It feels lonely sometimes but surround yourself with other leaders who can inspire you to grow and lead well.

 

Setup a time with Steve or me, and let’s put together a strategy plan for 2022.

 

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