* Change. Following “status quo” is no longer acceptable and can be fatal to a business. If you don’t or can’t figure out a new, improved way of delivering your product or service, your competitor will. Whatever you do, do not remain stagnant.

* Implementation. Making a strategic plan is only part of picture. You must also work plan. Not working a plan is as deadly to a business as not having one. Follow-through is absolutely necessary.

* Passion. Closely related to vision, passion is what keeps you moving ahead when times get tough – and they will. Continuing, even in face of adversity and long odds is what passion is all about. True leaders hold deeply belief that what they are doing really does make a difference. Passion does not guarantee success but lack of it almost certainly guarantees failure.

If these are why most businesses fail, then how does one succeed or at least have a better chance to be successful? Look back over list above. Create vision, plans and systems. Take a leadership role. Believe in what you are doing and commit to completion. It really isn’t a big secret, but it’s also not easy. Surround yourself with a support system of people – especially a business coach. By doing these things consistently, you increase odds that your business will not become another dismal statistic.

Copyright © 2002, Monty J. Sharp

========== Vision to Venture, LLC is an executive coaching company dedicated to providing an interpersonal approach to high performance Executives, managers and work teams. Our highly effective and balanced approach to leadership development, teambuilding and action learning get both business related as well as human results. Visit us at http://www.workteamcoaching.com

OK, you have nothing in common. They were miserable and close-mouthed. Nothing good came from it. Good. You now know that you made effort and can rest comfortably with that. Next step, ask them for a meeting in office. This takes courage, but, how much courage is it currently taking just to show up every day? However, this is not a 'let-me-fix-you' type of meeting. Prepare for meeting by creating a list of open-ended questions that will hopefully create discussion between you such as "How can we improve relationship between us?" "What can we do to work together more collaboratively?" Signify your willingness to create a workable relationship.

What is other person is not even mildly interested in conversing about change? That is when you have a decision to make. Live with it, or take it to next level. The next level involves bringing a third person into conversation, a person who is willing to manage situation because it is in best interest of workplace. A mediator may be offered. There may be other people on your team who are experiencing same difficulties with same person. This makes change more imperative for your superior. Point out benefits of managing this issue to company.

No matter how it seems, no one really likes conflict. Some people create it because it makes them feel they have a modicum of control. Others create it as a cover for how little they are doing. Others have their own reasons and needs for keeping things in an uproar. You, though, are always at choice. You can always do something to remove tension even if it means making a career shift. Sometimes, it's worth it, but only after you have done everything in your power to improve things. Confrontation is not a four-letter word!