Category: Communication

One of my favorite things to do is introduce my children to some of the classical movies that I enjoyed in my youth. The other day, I decided to show them the 1986 movie, Short Circuit. The story of the movie follows the journey of an experimental military robot that gets struck by lightning and has gained a human-like intelligence. Early on in the movie, the robot, named Number 5, is exploring the world trying to understand the world of humans. One of the things that Number 5 continues to verbalize is “Need Input!”  Whenever input is given, Number 5 takes in the information but then repeats “Need Input!” 

What stuck with me about Number 5’s demand of “Need Input!” is that we, too, require input as we explore our world, especially as it relates to our interpersonal relationships.  How many times have you struggled to understand something that another person in your life is trying to convey to you ...

If your business is struggling, is it possible that it’s because you know your financial statements better than you know your people?

If, as a therapist and former business owner, I could make just one recommendation to owners of struggling businesses it would be this; knowing your people and letting them know you is likely the best and fastest way to solve your problems. It’s difficult to build a winning team without really knowing the players and developing a strong relationship with and amongst them.

But it’s scary right? Maybe not the part of you knowing them, perhaps you already do, or think you do at least.  But letting them know you; being honest, open and vulnerable can only get you in trouble, right?

Don’t misunderstand, I’m not saying that it’s appropriate to share all the details of your life, or the precise impact the business struggles are causing to your health, mindset or family life.&n ...