The Four Disciplines of Sales and General Business Interactions
By Jim Ward – President, BrainSell
My first summer read was a book called “The Four Agreements”*. Really, a holistic self improvement read — though it struck me that “The Four Agreements” are the very same Four Disciplines that lead to successful business careers, initiatives and a general business creed for your employees of any company. In fact — you might find it’s a differentiator when you think about how your competitors do business.
The Four Agreements described below seem so obvious, yet it’s something that bears repeating and is worth having in front of your company’s team as they perform their daily activities. Don’t take these disciplines for granted and expect that everyone lives by these disciplines daily, they may try to however you’ll find that these disciplines are a constant improvement program. If you make these disciplines a company expectation and everyone’s onboard — it reflects a consistent means of doing business with clients, prospects and vendors.
Be impeccable with your word. Your word is everything. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth.
Not only does this apply to the individual team members it needs to be the discipline the complete corporation holds. Sounds so obvious, yet it takes time to permeate through a corporate culture. Think about your competitors. Do they follow this creed? Think about how clients, prospects and vendors will become to know your company if you do.
Don’t take anything personally. Nothing others do or don’t do is because of you. When you can learn to be immune to the opinions and actions of others you won’t be a victim of self doubt or other toxic negativity. Trust in your company and self.
Competitors, your personal relationships, even others in your own company may try and spread toxic words about you or your company. Learn to not take it personally and you become freed from spending negative energy on thoughts that take away time to work on improving your business efforts. When you learn to not take it personally you let go of those trying to hold you or your company back.
Don’t make assumptions. Ask questions and express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings and drama.
Think of all the times in business where you made assumptions. How those assumptions lead to misunderstandings, potential lost business, or poor interpersonal relationships. Get this one right and it could transform your business and career.
Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Simply do your best at any given moment.
Just like people, companies will have ups and downs. If the company has individuals who strive to do their best from moment to moment you’ll set sail and reach your destination. As an individual you’ll avoid self judgment, self doubt and regret.
*The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
by Don Miguel Ruiz (Author)
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[Photo courtesy of directcapital.]
