MODERN ENTREPRENEUR
must be prepared to serve their
staff and clients. When a servant
leadership culture is created, staff
will follow.
4
Recognise that PEOPLE
are your biggest asset or
liability
One of my best time investments is
sitting down with individual staff for
a brainstorming session. I ask them
a key question - where could they
add the most value going forward?
Invariably, this has resulted in more
passionate, loyal staff who have then
achieved way beyond the original
brief for my business. Research
indicates that the three highest
priorities for staff were:
• Feeling appreciated for the work
they have done
• Being included
• Taking into account their personal
situation.
By applying these three simple
priorities, it showed I genuinely
valued and appreciated my staff. In
return they responded by going the
extra mile.
5
Align your BUSINESS to
your LIFE PURPOSE
The final key is the most important.
Many high achievers will align their
life purpose to their careers and
businesses by default. I did. The
consequences can be disastrous. My
own personal brick wall resulted in
debilitating migraines. My personal
relationships were at breaking point.
I was a workaholic, often absent,
and the recession hit my business
hard. Suddenly we were losing $30K
a month. Through soul-searching, I
had a profound spiritual experience
that prompted me to cease pursuing
my own success. With clarity,
I discovered my life purpose;
focussing on “helping others to
succeed”. I was no longer focussed
on my business success, money or
status. Whilst I looked the same on
the outside, on the inside I was very
different. I had a new ‘chip’ in my
head. I cut my hours back from 80
hours per week to 50, and started
investing in my family. I changed
from a controlling management
style to a style of delegation and
empowerment. My creativity and
energy returned.
Within months, we franchised four
existing offices, established our
own funds management company,
and set a much larger vision; to
create franchises across Australia’s
eastern seaboard. This culminated
in a Packer-backed, listed company
buying ours. At that defining
moment, my business became the
fuel, enabling me to pursue a higher
calling and focus on my legacy. Ever
since, my business interests are
firmly aligned to my life purpose.
What about yours?
John Sikkema is a Philanthropist,
Thought Leader, Entrepreneur and
Executive Chairman of Halftime
Australia, inspiring leaders to live their
life purpose now. Visit www.halftime.
org.au for more information.
June 2016
ModernBusiness
33