The Art and Science of Your Business

"The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge." -- Thomas Berger

Although we may not consciously think about it in these terms, it is important to understand that there is an art side and a science side to your business or career. Knowing the difference and asking the right questions on each side of the equation may be one of the keys to growing and maintaining a successful business or in advancing a career. Technical knowledge is great to have and it will serve your business and ultimately, your customers well. But to really compete, and grow a true business asset, there is so much more that needs to be addressed. So, let's talk about this.

That technical side of your business is what may be regarded as the "science" portion of your company. It can be looked at as the specific knowledge and skill-set needed to perform the task the business was created to address. Obviously, it is incredibly important. Can you imagine having an untrained plumber or electrician working on your home? How about an untrained dentist working on your teeth? Hurts to imagine it, doesn't it? But if the skill-set was limited only to the technical side, how would the business or practice grow? True, basic business skills or able assistance can produce some result, but when it really comes down to it, who is responsible for the success or failure of a business? Like it or not, it is the owner! So who needs to develop a different set of skills to move beyond simply working IN a business and get to the point of working ON the business? Once again, it is the owner. By the way, if you are one of the many business owners who believed your technical skills alone were going to build a huge business, and quickly found out otherwise, stay with me. There is hope -- and it can be found on the "art" side of the business.

The art side may be thought of as the soft skills and the entrepreneurial mindset that needs to be developed. These skills may include leadership skills, people skills, communication skills, systems thinking and development, conflict resolution skills and good old-fashioned sticktoitiveness. Even critical areas such as character, integrity, and honesty are developed and strengthened here. Now, while both the science and art side encompass so much more than what is discussed here, and can be somewhat interwoven, I hope this gives at least a basic idea of what makes them so different. While the science side makes sure the task is done right, the art side makes sure the task has a vehicle to sustain it. That vehicle is the business entity and hopefully the long-term asset that most business owners desire to build. Here's one way you can tell the difference. If the business stops working when the owner stops working, it can be thought of as a job. Yes, it may be a transferable or even salable job, but it still is really a job. But if the business can continue to operate without the owner directly working, it is an asset and it is likely to be worth so much more. Now it is important to point out that either can be good. It just depends on what was the desired outcome.

As a business grows, the leader must grow. No business can ever really rise any higher than the ability and current skill level of its leader, or owner. So a continuous business and personal development strategy is really crucial to long-term success. Part of that strategy is to have a coach or a mentor -- or both.

Having a coach or a mentor helps us identify our inevitable blind-spots, allowing us to create meaningful and measurable plans of action, and brings an accountability we may not otherwise embrace. The best athletes and the most successful business people usually have a coach to help them keep score. They are committed to developing both the art and the science necessary in the creation of a successful business or organization. So how do you measure up on each side of the equation? What questions do you need to ask yourself or even others to help benchmark where you are and where you want to be? Need help? Just ask the coach! 

Self-Invested or Self-Decepted?

"The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become. That is why I wish to pay fair price for every value. If I have to pay for it or earn it, that makes something of me. If I get it for free, that makes nothing of me." -- Jim Rohn

Here is a revealing question. How much of your business or personal income are you investing in yourself? Does your business or personal budget have a line item marked education, personal development, business development, training, or coaching? Have you even stopped to think about why it is important to add one? Why not?

In talking with business owners and self-employed professionals of various companies, I find there is a very familiar thread that often emerges. While there is usually an intense desire to increase revenue, reduce cost, and increase productivity; the perceived need for an increased skill set or even skill set evaluation is often absent. If the recognition is there, in many cases, the accompanying action is not. Why not?

Since we clearly find time and resources for those things that are most important to us, it appears to be a matter of commitment and priority. If you spend enough time with anybody, it is usually easy to see what their priorities really are. I define these as the non-negotiable commitments and no matter what happens, they are generally fulfilled. So why wouldn't continuous learning and self-improvement be at the top of the list?

Think about it this way: If everything we have is suddenly taken away either by force or by misfortune, what do we have left? Only our own mind and our own brain. It truly is the only thing that cannot be taken from us and history is full of such examples, including the experience of Viktor Frankl. So the question is why in the world would we not consistently feed and develop the only thing that we truly own -- our incredible mind?

Part of the problem may be in the quantity versus quality of information scenario we see playing out before us. Orrin Woodward says; "we are information rich, and wisdom poor." I agree. Science fiction writer Theodore Sturgeon said; "Ninety percent of science fiction is crud, but then, ninety percent of everything is crud." This became the basis of Sturgeon's Law -- and if we look closely, we'll see it is full effect in today's internet age. An online visit to any number of sites and applications will confirm this to be true.

So how do we find that ten percent of the information that is truthful, helpful, and worth learning? We look to those who have the results in the area in which they speak and write. This "fruit on the tree" approach helps zero in on the right information that produces the right result. A good coach knows where to find such information, and I for one would be more than happy to share some recommendations.

Feed your mind by building a library of great books. Strengthen your resolve with good audio and video information in your area of interest. Finally, be sure to associate with people who are also committed to excellence and the development of a strong mind and a specific purpose. Don't skimp on your most valuable resource. Make the investment, and make it count.

Your comments are always welcome.

Never Give Up On Your Dream!

The difference between success and failure often comes down to a single factor -- sticktoitiveness.
Those who have resolved to perservere, in spite of set-backs and repeated failures, in spite of what others say or think, and in spite of their own temptation to just quit, will ultimately be victorious. Dream big dreams -- and never give up on them!