Many women who’ve experienced break-ups feel that cutting their hair comes close to being a cure for heartbreak. But as simple and superficial as that sounds, there are a number of lessons to be gleaned from this often transformative, empowering act – lessons that can be applied to anyone running a business.
1) Leave the Drama, Lead a Change
Break-ups aren’t easy. There are way too many memories, painful experiences and uncomfortable regrets that we want to put behind.
But women who cut their hair after a break-up know that the best revenge is a resolution. Cutting hair isn’t just about decreasing length, but it’s about having it arranged differently!
The same goes for your organisation. Most companies that are struggling or have come to a standstill end up in such a situation because they cannot keep up with the pace and yet, are unable to see the need for change. This keeps them stuck on the ways that they’re used to, and therefore, unable to implement new solutions to help them progress.
Perhaps like a woman changing her hairstyle, you need to assess what works and what doesn’t for your business. Think about it – maybe it’s time to make some alterations.
2) Organisational Care
A post-break-up haircut is a form of self-care. A change in hairstyle would have required much thought, but would also require continued maintenance.
A new haircut is an opportunity to, quite literally, manage loose ends. In the same way, take every new business opportunity as a way to organise/re-organise and iron things out. New business ventures present a chance for you to revitalise your company’s operations and brand. Reinforce your identity by fortifying your unique value proposition.
3) Take Responsibility
Deciding to have a haircut after a romantic loss, more symbolically, signifies a woman taking control of her life. She chooses to own up to the mistakes of her previous relationship and at the same time, she takes action over the choices she’s about to make.
Similarly, in business, a leader both bears the responsibility and is applauded for his or her institution’s gaps and milestones. If you come across mistakes in the future, respond to them appropriately. Don’t be afraid to make tweaks wherever change is required. It’s better to be responsible for positive change in your business and life than to live only to please people in the short term.
4) Expand Your Thinking
Cutting hair is making the decision to embrace change that isn’t necessarily permanent, but still a transformation in itself. After all, when a woman cuts her hair, she knows that it’s always going to grow longer.
A successful business leader is one who’s courageous enough to take risks and widen their horizons. Whether this means chopping off hair or growing into new hair, the woman who cuts her hair does just that. Be confident in taking calculated risks.
5) Seek Advice
What’s a good haircut without a good stylist?
In the same way, for any organisation that wants to be at the top, its leader must be open to finding quality consultants, advisers or mentors so that they can gather insights, learn from the best and leverage varied expertise. Good leaders do proper market research and know exactly what they want – just like a woman who knows what she’s getting with a haircut.
When running a business, there are bound to be hiccups and unexpected failures. Yes, some things will mess up. Some plans will defy norms. But to enjoy long-term success, your organisation would need a leader who proposes, enacts and inspires positive change so that it can carry its vision further.
And just like the renewal that a post-break-up haircut may offer, often, what your business needs to continually surge ahead or pick itself up after a setback is the willingness to undertake little transformations that could go a long way in making big improvements.
To your success,
Mario
[Visit www.mariosingh.com now to enjoy a FREE e-book of my latest “37 Essential Principles for Massive Success” when you subscribe!]