3 Business Tips From Yoda

Yoda served as the Grand Master of the Jedi Order for hundreds of years until the fall of the Republic. One of the constants during the span of his leadership was his stature. Everything else, though, all around him, was in flux (as I’m sure you know). What stays constant in your work? What is changing?

We all do our jobs differently today from when we first entered the workforce. Perhaps the master has some tips to help you get up to speed, to help you be the Grand Master of your career arc.

“Do or do not… there is no try.” The classic. Visualize the results you want and work toward getting there. Take small, consistent steps toward that goal. You will do it.

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” And by suffering we mean…unemployed. Being fearless will get you what you want in life. This is not to say you shouldn’t be cautious. But it’s important to be persistent and to seek ways to overcome failure. Don’t be scared to try something new if what you’re doing is not getting good results. Don’t be afraid of sounding silly to get your point across. Don’t be afraid of new technology if it saves time and money. Don’t be afraid of competitors.

For example, for some businesses selling a simple product, the first thing your customers likely want to know about is your pricing. But you may be afraid to list it on your website for fear competitors will find out what you’re charging. Here’s a secret for you: in this modern age, your best competitors already know your pricing. The only people in the dark are your customers. Shine a little light on your potential customers’ process. Be open and free from fear. List the price. Move the business forward. Do not fear mistakes.

Organizations can never rest. They need to innovate continuously and create an atmosphere of creativity and entrepreneurship. They need to cultivate a work environment that allows responsible mistakes as part an effort to improve. Now is the time to try something different, to step out of your comfort zone. This concept is vital in today’s economy. Don’t be afraid to go against the current to do what is right and follow best practices in your field. Don’t sit back and let supervisors or co-workers do things incorrectly. Mistakes add up, and have a greater impact than ever before on your company’s health.

“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is.”Yoda was a tiny Jedi. I just wanted to write those words. Okay, more than that, he was the most powerful Jedi. What does this mean to you? Don’t tell yourself you can’t do something because of a perceived deficiency. Yoda had the Force. Your customers have Google, Yelp, Trip Advisor and Twitter. Good news travels fast but bad news travels faster, and there are more outlets on which to lodge a complaint than ever before.

You are dealing with a marketplace full of Yodas, all backed by powerful, omnipresent and potent force of information and insight. Underestimate them, you must not. Listen. Think. Respond with care. Serve your customers well and they will reward you. And your supervisors and managers will reward you.

May the Force be with you.