There are many factors that contribute to success as a small business owner. As Debbie said last week, a lot of hats are worn. Local Great Harvest business owners work really hard for the satisfaction of being their own boss and having control over their own life. This control is even more in the owner’s court in our Freedom Franchise format. There is a lot of leeway in Great Harvest for owners to make their own decisions, to do things their own way.
Over years of talking with and visiting successful Great Harvest bakery owners, I’m struck with how often I hear, “we’re a work in progress”, “we continue to tweak to make things better”, “we’ve changed how we do things over the years.” One owner even told me he felt it was important to keep an element of self doubt, to never become complacent and assume you have it all figured out. The most successful business owners never rest on their laurels. They are relentless about their quality and service every day. They never feel they’ve topped out on their success. They have an ability to learn, change and evolve in the face of challenges and changing markets.
How do you describe this characteristic, this mindset? Sometimes we refer to it as “empty cup” -- the willingness to learn, and the ability to take responsibility, focusing on what WE can do better, not on what someone else has done to make our lives miserable (like the competition!)
There is an aspect of humility to it, knowing that there is more to experience, more to learn, avenues to get better at what we do. It’s a mindset that helps us rise out of the role of victim and empowers us with the vision of what’s possible. Humility truly is the flip side of wisdom. As Socrates, the ancient philosopher said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Life affords us the amazing opportunity to learn.
It was great to hang out with so many of these amazing bakery owners at our annual meeting a few weeks ago and watch them share their experiences, perspectives, successes and failures with other bakery owners from across the country.
