A parable provides us with a example to observe:  "The mighty oak stands strong and firm before the wind, while the willow yields to the slightest breeze. However, in the strongest storm, the oak will break while the willow will bend, and thus survive. So, in the end, which is the stronger of the two?"

Like the willow tree when under strain, a popular misconception is that when a business under strain bends it is "weak" and all those which don't are "strong". In reality, many businesses which undergo strain, during such times as rapid growth, strong sales, heavy customer demand, and rapid expansion or the flip side impact of economic downturns, increasing competition, demanding customers or increased regulation, need to bend or change shape.  Since all businesses face these kinds of forces, what factors make the difference whether a business experiences growth or decline? 

A business is always the reflection of its leadership's preparation and reaction the strain.  Leadership sometimes needs to stand strong like the mighty oak but must also know when it is more prudent to be flexible when facing the strongest winds.  How prepared are you and is your business to recognize and absorb the stresses which would cause a more brittle or unprepared business, with minimal elastic deformation ranges, to break?

One can also observe in nature that a sapling with the ability to survive many harsh weather hardships becomes a much stronger tree than the sapling that grows in "perfect" weather conditions.  Successfully preparing and knowing when to stand strong and when to bend depends on the condition of your preparation and leadership skills. 

So what are your doing to prepare yourself and condition your business to stand-up or retain your flexibility when faced with these forces of deformation?

One great option is business coaching. Hiring a experienced business coach can help your business improve the elasticity of your deformation range by strengthening your leadership, preparing your company and enhancing your business model through systematically applying the business development process. 

The most highly effective business owners and businesses have learned business coaching provides them with best practices and personal effectiveness strategies.  When properly applied, coaching provides the right tools and accountability needed to develop business strength and flexibility to achieve extraordinary results in order to use the forces of deformation to advantage the business. 

Contact ThistleSea Business Development today to learn how to condition your business and for a free consultation - YOU and YOUR business deserve no less.