Some of you may have seen on social media that I, Kelly Donahue-Piro, President of Agency Performance Partners, had a not so graceful fall while hanging up curtains last weekend. This resulted in an equally not so fun trip to the ER and receiving an air boot. As someone who enjoys being on the go non-stop, this has been a challenge! I have to tell you, the mental part of it is way harder than the physical side.
As I’m flying to Netvu 4 days after the break, I’m reflecting on a few teachable moments that I wanted to share that you can tie into how it can affect your agency.
Teachable Moment 1: I’m Not Really In Charge
As this has happened days before the trade show that has been hands down our biggest time and financial investment thus far, I realize I’m not in charge. I can stress out and think about what will happen if I’m not there. But as a leader I needed to realize that I have people, colleagues and friends that can help me. If the doctor didn’t clear me for take off I’d still be A-OK. So I made a choice to not add additional stress to the situation by freaking out.
How to Apply This To Your Agency: Things are going to happen. You will get entrepreneur curve balls and you can make the choice either to freak out or find a way around it. When your team sees you calm, then they will follow suit. It’s also important to build relationships with people you can count on and trust that are enthusiastic to help. The best example of this is when someone quits. It may seem like “Oh my goodness what will we do? How will the work get done?” You can either think that way or start thinking about your plan for success. When you freak out, your team will too!
Teachable Moment 2: Patience Really is A Virtue
As someone who travels every week and is incredibly independent, patience is not my strong suit. No one has ever called me patient! I have always been an “if I want it I’m going for it and now” kinda gal. Well, in the last 5 days I’ve learned to exercise patience. My husband can attest to this, even though I may not be doing it very well, I am at least trying. I had to be patient to get a doctor’s appointment. I have to be patient in having to ask for help. Sometimes I just want a glass of water but I have to wait til my husband is back from walking my dog. The funny thing is I’ve learned that by being patient and just relaxing a bit it all still gets done!
How to Apply This To Your Agency: Sometimes we all want immediate gratification. We want the team to account round ASAP, the best hires to come to our door step, leads to come in. You need to remember that the best stuff comes to those who wait. Great candidates do not come around 5 minutes after you post a job. Quality leads take time to build. If you rush things you may drive everyone around you nuts. It’s important to practice patience.
Teachable Moment 3: People Really Do Want to Help You
I hate asking for help, but on the other hand I’m always happy to lend a hand to someone. It’s funny how many people, strangers even, pop up to help in a time of need. Take the help. Don’t be too proud, everyone is going to need it sometime.
How to Apply This To Your Agency: Look around. Is your team really acting like a team? Are they helping each other or suffering in solitude at their desk? In many agencies, there is not a culture of team work. People get frustrated if they are always pitching in for one team member. If this is the case in your agency find out why? Generally it’s two-fold. The person doesn’t want someone else to catch a mistake of theirs or everyone is following a different procedure and they want it done “their” way. Both are equally lethal and need to be tackled.
My Favorite Teachable Moment 4: You really can do anything
We have recently installed several agencies on our proactive renewal model. I tell everyone the first 2 months will be a challenge and then it gets easier. You are in more control of calls, you can find gaps, you can account round. All the best stuff happens when you get proactive. It even reduces inbound calls. But it’s just an uphill battle for the first 2 months. We are in the thick of it with 4 agencies right now. Imagine it being like the Biggest Loser First Work Out without the big money at the end.
I’m working relentlessly to motivate these teams to show them that they CAN do it. So I have a big challenge. I can’t drive, heck I can’t even get myself a glass of water. Yet I’m on a plane heading to San Antonio and you know why? Because I have a “find a way” attitude. I’m hoping I’m not going to have to cancel any appointments and I’ve found a driver to help me. I could look at this whole thing as either an ordeal or an adventure. It’s my choice. Stuff happens and challenges come up but I can say I’ll make it by buckling down, tackling the problem and finding the solution. Being helpless is no way to live. There are ways to help you conquer life’s biggest challenges.
How to Apply This In Your Agency: Do not allow a defeatist attitude for even one second in your agency. Let everyone know we will not talk about the problem, we will only talk about the solution. We will have hundreds of challenges in a year, talking about them is a waste of time. We can say we are so busy we can’t make outbound calls, but guess what? Give it your all and you can. Even if you make 75% of your goal it’s a start. It may not be perfect but it will get there and then you become stronger. “I can’t” isn’t an option, find a way.
Here is the bottom line. Whenever we face adversity, we learn new things. I’ve learned like I’m not invincible! It’s a great experience to learn, grow and develop some new skills. Challenge yourself to see the best side not the worst side.