Episode 2: Greatness comes from doing the common things uncommonly well, with Don Yaeger
Don Yaeger is a nationally acclaimed inspirational speaker, longtime Associate Editor of Sports Illustrated and author of 24 books, eight of which have become New York Times Best-sellers.
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\nSecret -- timesaving technique\nWe simply need to do the common things uncommonly well. Don\u2019s success comes from his ability to delegate to his team of 18 employees around him.
\nDaily habit that contributes to success\nRead something positive in the early morning \u201cbefore the world gets into my head.\u201d And that led to the creation of Don\u2019s \u201cDaily Dose of Greatness\u201d.
\nCould have ruined your business -- but now -- \xa0an invaluable learning experience\nDon tells the painful story of when a close family friend, who also served as the office manager of his company, stole over $300,000 from his business. Don and his family had to deal with the betrayal, unpaid expenses, taxes, etc. that she had not paid. A near crippling situation -- but Don and his team persisted and made it through.
\nMost critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful\nYou cannot lead people you don\u2019t know.
\nMost influential lesson learned a mentor\n\u201cYou will never outperform your inner circle. Do you want to know what your capacity for greatness is? Just look at the people who are around you -- the people in your personal life and your professional life -- because you will never outperform them.\u201d -- Coach John Wooden \xa0
\nFinal Round -- \u201cBreaking Down the Recipe for Success\u201d\n\xa0
\nWhat systems would you go back and put into place sooner?\nGreat teams are more focused on their culture than their product. Every great team should go through the process of creating a \u201cculture document\u201d and put the culture into practice throughout the company.
\nWhat one strategy or \u201crecipe\u201d would compound into big wins for business owners?\nGreat teams run the most efficient meetings, or \u201chuddles\u201d. They recognize that the habit of great meetings is a strategic advantage.
\nHow to exceed expectations and add the most value?\nIf we create a culture of empathy -- then our employees will know what is happening in each other\u2019s lives -- and care about each other. As a result, teamwork will improve and that flows to our customers.
\nWhat strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?\nBe a better storyteller -- he or she who tells the best stories wins.
\nDon\u2019s final advice\nDon\u2019t be stuck on finding mentors exclusively from within your industry. There are amazing lessons to learn from people who can offer you different perspectives that they learned outside your industry -- but can be applied to move your business onward.
\nHow best to connect with Don:\n- \n
- DonYaeger.com \n
- Don\u2019s latest book, The Two Most Important Days of Your Life, can be found here \n
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