Avoiding Temptations in Business

Probably over 20 years ago I read the book, Swim with the Sharks, by Harvey Mackay.  I thought it was a great read with a lot of common sense that I have used over the last 20 years in my business career.  It was also interesting to me because Mackay was a local guy who started out as an envelope salesman and has ended up as a mega-large owner of envelope companies.  In the Minnesota market his reputation is somewhat larger than life.

In reading today’s Minneapolis Tribune, where Mackay is an occasional columnist, I enjoyed an article written by him about temptations in business.  As I read the article it made a lot of sense to me and how I built my business over the years.  The article goes on to mention the book, “The Five Temptations of a CEO” by Patrick Lencioni where he lists the five biggest pitfalls of leaders. I suggest that you take a look at the article here and find out what he lists as those temptations.

Mackay finally points out the we live in an instant-gratification world.  However, studies point out that people who delay their gratification have more success when it comes to finances, relationships, and achievements.

Funeral Director Daily take:  While explaining Lencioni’s five temptations, Mackay also talks about things where many of us may be tempted but should really not jump at the temptation for the long-term success of your business.  As I read these, they jumped out at me as some things that many funeral directors and owners are guilty of.

Mackay talks about resisting the temptation to bad-mouth your competition by pointing out that can be a real turn off to potential customers.  He talks about not tooting your own horn — if you have done good, someone else will mention it — and that will make the good news compounded.  He also talks about not putting yourself ahead of the business’ needs.  I know in the funeral business, after a good year,  many owners will purchase a new home or new automobile instead of putting that money into better rolling stock or facilities that will pay off  5-fold in the future.  Sometimes, our choices spite ourselves.

Finally, Mackay discusses the idea of expanding too fast.  He suggests having a seasoned veteran or industry expert check out your plans to help educate yourself before you shake things up too much.

In any regard, most of what I read in this article worked for me.  Take a look at it and I’m pretty sure that you will learn something/

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