The Perils of Distraction: Why Focusing on Strengths Matters in Tough Times

In business, when challenges arise, it's tempting to try new things to regain momentum. However, this approach can sometimes lead to more problems rather than solutions. I learned this lesson the hard way through a personal experience with my former assistant, which highlights a vital principle: the importance of honing and improving existing skills instead of branching out prematurely.

Years ago, when my business was thriving, I had a marketing assistant who was an integral part of our success. However, as the market started to decline, he approached me for a raise. In an effort to justify this increase, I began assigning him different tasks, many of which involved mortgage processes—areas outside his expertise.

Over time, we had several discussions about his pay, and each time, I shifted his responsibilities, thinking it might ignite his motivation. Unfortunately, this strategy backfired. It took me 15 years to discover he lacked fundamental skills, like calculating mortgage payments using a calculator—a basic but crucial task for the role I had pushed him into.

This situation deteriorated further as our professional relationship blended into a personal friendship, making it difficult to maintain objectivity. Each time business performance issues were raised, the discussions turned emotional, veering into arguments rather than constructive feedback.

The real issue was my decision to distract him with new roles instead of focusing on his existing skills. His original role in database management and marketing, areas where he initially excelled, suffered because of this diversion. I mistakenly assumed these critical tasks were being handled effectively while we were preoccupied with his new responsibilities.

When the market worsened, our business numbers plummeted, and despite his salary and benefits, my assistant eventually left during these tough times. In retrospect, a critical moment came when upper management wanted to dismiss him for poor performance. I intervened, saving his job but at a cost to both of us, financially and professionally.

This experience taught me an invaluable lesson relevant to all business leaders: When faced with difficulties, it's crucial to double down on what already works. Enhancing and perfecting existing processes and skills can often yield better results than venturing into unfamiliar territories. This approach not only ensures stability but also builds a strong foundation that can withstand market fluctuations.

As leaders, it's our responsibility to guide our teams to focus and excel in their current roles, especially during challenging times. Encouraging this mindset helps prevent the spread of resources too thin and ensures that core business functions remain strong and effective.

Let this story be a reminder of the power of concentration and improvement. In business, as in life, mastering and refining what we already do well is often the best strategy for overcoming adversity and achieving sustained success.