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My journey towards true happiness started 15 years ago when I was walking across a bridge over the Mississippi River in Minnesota, pondering on why I was so miserable despite having a great job, family, and marriage. This introspection led me to research the factors that drive happiness and to understand what causes stress and strife in people’s lives.
One of the most stressful times for me was when I felt disconnected from myself, despite having a manageable career. Through my research and conversations with psychologists and therapists, I discovered the core factors that drive happiness and how to simplify complex ideas so people can take action towards greater happiness.
In today’s world, businesses face immense pressure and stress due to rising costs of inflation, supply chain challenges, and dissatisfied customers. My approach towards helping troubled business leaders and professionals cope in these difficult times involves understanding the root cause of their stress and anxiety and guiding them towards authentic happiness.
By focusing on the factors that drive happiness, businesses can increase engagement, productivity, and retention, leading to better outcomes for all stakeholders. My approach towards solving business challenges involves aligning business goals with employee happiness and problem-solving capabilities, creating a positive work culture, and increasing overall well-being.
Surviving Business Stress: Surrounding Myself with the Right Support
Running a small business or being a key leader in an organization can be extremely challenging, both financially and emotionally. When stress becomes a part of my identity, it’s not only the business that’s affected, but also my personal life.
In a conversation with me, I learned that it’s crucial to separate stress from who I am in my personal life. But when stress is so integrated into my work life, it’s tough to crack the nut. It’s not just about the business; it becomes my identity.
I often introduce myself by my job title or the name of my company. But it’s important to recognize that this isn’t necessarily my identity. Life is bigger than the job, bigger than the stress. I can overcome this challenge by surrounding myself with people who can empathize with me and help me figure things out.
It’s not easy to find people who truly understand what I’m going through as a business owner or supply chain expert. My spouse, friends, and even colleagues who punch a clock every day might not get it. But there are people out there who do, and they can be a valuable source of support.
I suggest finding people who can be there for me emotionally, but who can also help me start to unpack my problems. As a problem solver, I believe in taking things one step at a time. I can either wallow in the problem or start peeling the onion, one layer at a time.
Sometimes, the answer lies in strategic partnerships. Even competitors can work together to figure things out. It’s time to start building those relationships, especially when everyone is in the same situation.
The Power of Problem-Solving: How I Overcame Adversity as a Business Owner
Running a business can be challenging, especially when multiple layers of problems begin to pile up. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated, but that’s when problem-solving skills come in handy.
I’d like to share an inspiring story of how I helped a roofing business owner overcome his challenges. The business owner was facing numerous problems, from skyrocketing lumber prices to dealing with difficult insurance companies. Everything seemed negative, and the owner was ready to give up on his dream.
However, I knew that giving up was not an option, and I set out to help the business owner unpack his troubles and find solutions to each of them. The first step was acknowledging the gravity of the situation and validating the owner’s feelings. It was essential to let him know that he was not alone and that together we would navigate through the challenges. I emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and assured him that we would explore various strategies to overcome the obstacles.
The next part of our conversation involved identifying the root causes of the business’s struggles. We delved into factors such as market trends, competition, internal operations, and customer satisfaction. By thoroughly examining each area, we aimed to uncover areas of improvement and potential opportunities.
Once we had a clearer understanding of the underlying issues, we began brainstorming potential solutions. I encouraged the business owner to think outside the box and consider innovative approaches to address the challenges. We explored ideas such as revamping the marketing strategy, diversifying the product offerings, improving customer service, and streamlining internal processes.
Throughout our discussion, I provided guidance and shared relevant insights based on my knowledge and experience in business management. I also encouraged the business owner to seek input from his team members and involve them in the problem-solving process. Collaboration and collective brainstorming can often yield creative and effective solutions.
After generating a list of potential strategies, we evaluated each option based on its feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with the business’s goals and values. We prioritized the most promising ideas and developed an action plan, outlining the specific steps required to implement each strategy.
In addition to addressing the immediate challenges, we discussed the importance of monitoring and adapting the business’s approach continuously. This involved setting up key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing systems to track progress and make data-driven decisions.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I reiterated my commitment to supporting the business owner throughout the implementation process. I emphasized that success might not come overnight and that persistence, adaptability, and continuous learning were crucial for long-term growth.
By the end of our discussion, the business owner expressed a renewed sense of hope and determination. He felt empowered with a concrete plan of action and a support system to navigate the difficulties ahead. While the path forward might still be challenging, he recognized that he had the tools and the resilience to overcome them.
I left the meeting with a profound sense of satisfaction, knowing that I had made a positive impact on someone’s business and perhaps even their life. It reminded me of the power of empathy, collaboration, and strategic thinking in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is The Safari Dude. As a professional actuary in human resources analytics, he uncovered surprising factors that enhance employee engagement, and work enjoyment; key elements for effectiveness, enhanced retention, productivity, and organizational success.
Minnesota to Rwanda, nonprofit to corporate, start-ups to Fortune 500 companies he brings to your event thirty years of leadership success. Steve’s personal safari mission is to help great leaders and their teams enjoy an epic safari by getting the right peeps in their jeeps and in the right seats.
