Aug
20
A Door
August 20, 2009 | 2 Comments
One of the most important things to visualize in business (or employment, where you trade your time for money) is a Door. Some mornings I even draw a door on the notebook paper I am bringing to the meeting, just to keep it as a reminder of my real Door. With Door I mean, the exit door: a way of getting out of the current situation or discussion that could end up being more desirable than the situation at hand. Up until that point where you see the door you are a subject of your client, boss, or business counterpart – you will eventually have to give in to his/her needs unless you have a way out. In many situations the door really means the ability to stand up, pack up your things, and go through a door – maybe in a one way fashion.
The door has to be real, and you must have a real intention of actually executing on your door. It is a lot easier said than done, especially when you consider the examples of doors below. Without a door you are not in control, you are not free.
Lets illustrate the concept of the door with concrete examples:
- Negotiation – If you enter a negotiation room without the possibility of standing up and leaving, chances are you do not get a favorable deal. Possible doors: going to negotiate with other prospective clients or providers. Or simply having enough cash to survive through a few more weeks without a deal. You do not have a door when: It is the only deal you are working: either you succeed or you are out of business/job.
- Job - When you don’t have an alternative to the current job, you may have to put up with whatever your boss wants to make you do: since you see no other choice. Possible doors: Don’t think in linear ways, your alternative doesn’t have to be a job that pays more. Doesn’t even have to be a job. Maybe it is a long vacation trip you dreamed about, a career change, a volunteering situation, back to school, staying with the kids, or going into an independent business. Having cash at hand helps as well. You do not have a door when: Your expenses meets or exceeds your income and you have no savings.
- Personal Relationships – Sometimes people feel like they can’t leave their partner because they will feel so lonely or will not be able to take care of their household. This is another ‘trapped’ situation. Possible doors: Expanded circle of friends, family, and learning to maintain all aspects of the household.
There you go. You have a door. Now go and live your life as if you had a choice.
NOTE: Please, even if you need to use the door, try not to rush at it. Be nice when ending up a business activity. Explain the situation and why you will need to stand up and end the current discussion. Then leave peacefully and quickly.
Related Posts:
Comments
2 Comments so far
Subscribe
[...] through the one of the last post of Money and Investment, (I seriously recommended it) where the author presents us with the need of an Exit Door for most [...]
[...] through the one of the last post of Money and Investment, (I seriously recommended it) where the author presents us with the need of an Exit Door for most [...]