one at that . If you estimate a battle will last one month plan for three . The arsenal of weapons may require acquisition of new knowledge , external consultant ( s ) help , new skills , plug into professional associations , insurance , partner with likeminded people among other interventions .
In my last article “ Do Not Flow - Chart A New Path ” I submitted that “ Life is never lived on plans . It is lived going round plans when things go wrong . It is in capturing the best as life turns on natures ’ twirls and dives . We build resilience , wisdom and new technology as we reroute around natures whiplash or the dangers that our own slack avails ” I dare add that we now know our lives are battle fields on different accounts . We therefore , have to prepare for these battles if we want peace . Battles will mutate , others will crop up where we thought not and surprises will be rampant in these encounters .
This is no different in business . In fact , businesses have more battle fronts in the true sense of the word . It is therefore prudent for a business to fortify itself from external aggression and internal mercenaries . This can only be effected by documenting the external and internal risks . However hard it is , a good business is built not on premise but logical and tangible well documented measures for the record . Constitutional and regulatory provisions are not enough . Every business
Then we have the other battles unknown not only to the babies but the community around us . We are at war in our relationships . We are at war with our work colleagues . We are at war with the government over regulations and taxes . We are at war with high cost of living . We are at war with the miserable parts of our lives .
Our lives and businesses alike should be built on the firm foundation of truth . What is your true intent ? Let this be your mantle and center piece as you deal , transact and be synonymous with you . Ingrain true scales in all measures within the business and especially when dealing with clients . This truth attracts clients and keeps them when your processes or even the product fails .
requires their own adopted provisions and mitigation plans against arising risks . To ascertain the risks , follow the key business areas which can be summed as product , process and people . Determine the areas of interaction for each of the three and extrapolate the risks that may arise from both .
Product
Look at any risk pertaining to your product . Do you have a manual ? Are there requisite steps or measures before the product is used ? What are the disclaimer clauses ? Do you have indemnity clauses for wrong use ? What are the limitations of your warranty or guarantee ? Do you have service abort charges and exit clauses ?
Process
What are the rules of engagement at work for staff , partners and for clients ? Are your guidelines clear ? What are the regulatory provisions required for the processes within and without ? Are the Standard Operational Procedures ( SOPs ) documented ? If any process fails what are the risks and the containment measures to take ?
People
Who are the people that serve you ? What are they exposed to ? Can each exposure be measured and evaluated ? Are there SOPs for each person involved ? Are their roles defined and backed up by a shadow figure or auxiliary steps of the call ? Are they safe guarded at work ? What areas can be insured for them ? WIBA ? Medical ? Property assigned to them ? Professional indemnity as they work for and with you ?
It is my guided opinion that using the Armour of God Principles as advanced in Ephesians 6:10-18 best illustrates what we require to fortify ourselves and our businesses . All bad will , tough luck , unlucky breaks , the unfortunate incidents including unforeseen battles in our lives form the basis of why we need the full Armour of God .
The Belt of Truth
Our lives and businesses alike should be built on the firm foundation of truth . What is your true intent ? Let this be your mantle and center piece as you deal , transact and be synonymous with you . Ingrain true scales in all measures within the business and especially when dealing with clients . This truth attracts clients and keeps them when your processes or even the product fails .
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Let fairness and justice be the pillars of all your actions as you plan , start and run your business . Let it not just be perceived but believed and executed even when the lights are out . This has to hold constant in the boardroom , production floor and in the market place . This will have you gain favor with God and earn you loyalty points with government , regulators and other stakeholders .
The Gospel of Peace
As shared above everyone is in countless battles . Our lives and businesses should be
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