What is the One Thing

We’re all heard the expression, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” Sage advice in every area of life. After teaching college courses for over three decades and owning a training and development company for communication, customer service, and management success, I’ve seen it time and again. Lead people to the information, provide effective techniques, and demonstrate proven ways to success…they just won’t take that necessary drink to satisfy the thirst for success they claim is what they want.

Initially in my college classes, I would have each student write a contract with me about what grade he/she wanted in the course. Then the requirements for receiving that grade were described in detail: tests, papers, speeches, etc. It is no surprise that the vast majority wanted an A. Unfortunately, at least 75% of those seeking an A, barely completed the work required for a low B. They were led to the water, but didn’t really care enough about drinking the water of success.

The same is true for business owners or managers. I have developed training programs, presented training programs, gone into banks, doctors’ offices, and companies having employee/management disruptions and given possible and viable solutions for more effective working environments. They were engaged during the sessions, and even seemed to enthusiastically plan on making the necessary improvements in their workplaces and relationships. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I knew a few steps out the door, they weren’t thirsty anymore.

With 50% of new businesses failing within the first five years of opening, the ones that thrive and even prosper beyond their wildest dreams are thirsty all the time: thirsty to learn all they can about people skills, target customers, goal setting…the list goes on and on. The learning, improving, setting priorities and remembering the One Thing they need to do every day to move the success needle in the right direction.

There will always be excuses. Students who wait until the last minute to prepare class papers and wonder why don’t get an A, employees who want to be promoted but just can’t seem to make it to work on time, and owners who think they know it all and don’t continue learning and improving so they are still alive and prospering long after that five-year mark. Being average might be just ok for some people, but for those who make it to the water and decide they are going to drink…there is nothing as refreshing or satisfying as succeeding.