As business managers, we like to think that we control the world. Newsflash – we don’t. The reality is that the economy – regardless of the cycle – is much too VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity). It is simply not practical or reasonable to try to control all of the variables that go into running a small business. Having said that, why try to do so?
A healthier approach to small business management is to expect the unexpected. When things happen – and they will – just roll with them. This is not to say that you do not want to make an effort to be prepared. Instead, I am saying that you should not obsess about trying to master every little nuance. Doing so is extremely stressful, tiring, and probably unproductive.
Instead, expect the unexpected, and when it happens, say “Great! That is why I am a manager in order to deal with these situations.”
If you expect the unexpected, you can never be surprised.
Rick and Dan are the authors of Small Business Finance and Valuation, published by Business Expert Press. You can also find it on Chapters/Indigo as well as on Amazon