Identifying the Gaps: A Guide for Entrepreneurs and Leaders
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Chapter 1: Understanding Voids
Have you ever paused to ponder what you might be overlooking?
"It's a continuous journey. Consistently question, what gaps exist?" With these thoughts, I commenced yet another training session for employees. I've lost track of how many sessions I've conducted or the various groups I've addressed over time.
Every Group Has Unique Needs
And yet, there's often common ground. To clarify, let's define what we mean by "VOID": it signifies an absence. In simpler terms, "What is lacking in ________?" You can fill in that blank.
Background Insight
As someone who has been an entrepreneur throughout my life, I have started, acquired, or taken over numerous companies across diverse sectors. Frequently, I encountered steep learning curves, sometimes so abrupt it felt like a 90° turn. Many days felt like crashing into a wall at high speed, with my stress levels at an all-time high.
The fear of missing critical information propelled me to contemplate what voids existed. Consequently, I designed a screensaver (feel free to replicate it) as a reminder from my business archives.
Each time I powered on my computer or mobile device, I was reminded to ask this pivotal question.
Examples of Identified Voids
Reflecting on our customer service team, I contemplated how we could enhance the customer experience. What comforting phrases could we employ? The answer was simple: "Hello, this is DR. How may I assist you today?" Concluding the conversation, I aimed for a warm touch: "I hope I've been of assistance. Is there anything else I can help with?"
Similarly, our sales department needed a concise statement to engage prospects after initial discussions. The interactions often felt uncomfortable. After collaborating with seventeen sales representatives across the nation, we crafted this: "Mr. ______, we've been eager to earn your business, but we neglected to inquire about one crucial aspect. What is your primary challenge in delivering your (goods or services) to the consumer? May we assist you with that?"
These are just a couple of instances; we also discovered voids in programming, HR practices, the interview process, and employee retention, among others. Our primary focus lay in enhancing communication, always striving for transparency and accountability among team members.
Will You Seek Out Voids?
This is your invitation to take action. Regardless of your current endeavors, ask yourself, "What are the VOIDS, or what am I overlooking in my personal or professional life?"
There are numerous applications for this principle. For further insights, consider the following two narratives:
If you happened to miss it, check out yesterday's business tip:
Thank you for reading,
✍ — I would greatly appreciate your feedback and would love to know you saw this post. Thank you!
©DR Rawson
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