I’ve recently been reminded of the importance of the basics. My sound advice has not come from the halls of Harvard, the offices of Google, the C-suite of Wall Street, nor the pages of The New York Times Bestsellers List. No, my teachers are 10-year old boys - specifically my step-son and son. Though both boys posses above average intelligence, I don’t ordinarily think of them as child prodigies of the business world. On the contrary! Lately my husband and I find ourselves saying things like,
“Did you wash your hands?” (yes) “Did you use soap?” (no)
“Did you brush your teeth?” (yes) “Did you use toothpaste?” (no)
“Did you wash your hair?” (yes) “With shampoo?” (no)
“Did you take a bath?” (yes) “Did you use soap?” (no)
You see the pattern here? For some unknown reason, truths that were at one time clearly obvious to these boys, are now nowhere to be found in the recesses of their minds. Honestly, if I didn’t know better, I would swear aliens landed in our yard, entered our house in the middle of the night and did a mind wipe, at least on the topic of personal hygiene.
I’m Guilty Too
Sometimes I’m just as bad. Not like THAT! I use soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. But on occasion, I still forget the basics of business. Reminds me of the stories I’ve heard of great UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden, who is said to have started the first practice of each season teaching freshman players how to put on their socks and tie their shoes to offer the best support. I suspect we all need reminders from time to time. Here are a few I keep learning.
Business Basics
Make the sales calls.
Do the follow up.
Write.
Personal Basics
Have my Quiet Time.
Exercise.
Date Night.
Can you relate? What are the basics you sometimes need to remember? How do you get reminded?
