Scripture is clear about the advantages of wise counsel. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Proverbs 12:5, NASB) We need to keep this verse in context. Keep in mind that we’re instructed not just to listen to counsel, but to listen to different viewpoints. For example, we also read where the prophet Amos was told, "But no longer prophesy at Bethel, for it is a sanctuary of the king and a royal residence." (Amos 7:13, NASB) However the leadership did not want to hear the words of God. That’s the reason that the Lord told his prophets to be silent. We read these examples and can’t understand how could the people be so blind? In reality we will fall into the same trap if we’re not careful.

I received an inquiry from a person wanted me to help him find a business idea that “would make my life easy, make me a lot of money and require a small investment.” I thought if I had an idea that fit his request, why would I give it to someone else?  I would start the business, sit back, relax, and collect the cash.
 
Business, like most endeavors, requires hard work, focus and many hours of effort to be successful.  When I was CEO in an international trade company, I knew some people looked at my position and felt I had it made. They thought I could just sit back, relax, and enjoy my view from the top of the company. The reality was that I arrived most mornings by 6 am and didn’t leave early.  I also had to travel quite a bit. On the airplane I didn’t read novels, but took a briefcase full of work to do while traveling.  I’m not saying this to impress anyone with my work ethic, but to reinforce the truth that business is hard work.

In business we frequently negotiate as we discuss arrangements with others. At times our paradigm or someone else’s will have a dramatic effect on the outcome of a discussion. Often to obtain the best results, you need to dig deeper into an issue to uncover the background and experiences of others.

I help market franchises to individuals who want to use the franchise idea to launch a business. “Sharon” was interested in a business that provided home tutors for students, and she was well qualified for the business. A key issue came up that threatened to derail the entire transaction. The franchisor required the purchase of a smart car as well as branding the car with the business logo and information. The franchisor understood this marketing was effective. The prospective franchisee was adamant about never using a smart car.  For a time it looked like an impasse that would derail the franchise agreement.

In business we sometimes encounter people who seem to have a perspective summarized by the words, “It’s not my fault.  It’s out of my control. There is nothing I can do.”  If we are not careful, we will embrace the same attitude. There are times when it is hard to deliver and get the job done.  A key is to understand that in most instances, we can find a way to get the job done rather than give up.

In business it is easy to think you need to do things by yourself instead of delegating them to a specialist, especially if you have to pay for their services. I recently dealt with a legal question and was starting to do my own research instead of sending an email to my attorney who could respond with a short answer requiring five or six minutes of their time.  Even though he could bill me for this service, it was a small price to pay for getting an accurate answer. Besides, it saved me one or two hours’ research.  Also, I don’t proofread my writing particularly well; so I hire an editor who keeps me from embarrassing myself with grammatical errors. While I could read through an article five times carefully and catch most of the typos, is this the best use of my time and skill?