Adapted from Article in the Sunday Independent October 2013 by PJ Timmins
On the nights of 17th and 18th of November 1807 600 lives were lost as two ships founded on the rocks at South County Dublin. When their bodies were washed up upon the local shores, it created an outcry. That was a tipping point. That tipping point led to the creation of Dunlaoghaire harbour. It took 600 men 40 years to complete. Ships that we depend on for commerce, need safe harbour. They find it behind the peers of the harbour walls. Business owners also need safe harbour. They find it among their peers in business.
So how do we avoid the limiting “self talk” that goes on in our heads every day?
The answer is to have a conversation and don’t fly solo – and above all, don’t try to reinvent the wheel.
Whatever your challenges or goals, there are many highly successful people out there that would love to help. Find people who have already been there, who walk their talk, and who have achieved success. Other business owner/executives and peer groups can help immensely.
A Texan friend of mine puts this very well. “Down here, we have a saying: If one of your peers says you are a horse, you say, what does he know? If three of your peers tell you that you are a horse, you say, I must really think about this. But if five people tell you, you are a horse, go buy a saddle”.
At the Alternative Board we bear witness to how the collective wisdom and clarity of advice members receive at peer board meetings eliminates the fear of change.
We assist members to achieve their potential through embracing diversity and accountability and using processes and techniques that have been developed over 23 years with over 15,000 businesses to align their personal and company vision.
The key ingredients of adaptability, agility and determination are fundamental on our road to recovery. It is within our reach, but we need to connect to others to make it happen.©