Who Holds the Door?

Allan R. Goldner

When entering a room of top professionals, who holds the door?

If you know something about Status Group, you may have wondered how such a large, diverse group of seasoned entrepreneurs, (as well as experts in their field), possibly work together on any project? I must say that this is generally the question I'm asked most frequently. In addressing the proper response, I find myself revisiting the moth balled chambers of my own experience. Back to when I was working with high end, powerful executives for an industry giant, the solution was always right there and probably applies to any business that is run by more than one key executive.

If you are a true entrepreneur, that is, a true leader, you've developed a team, no matter how small, of business professionals whose judgments based on their specific experience, can be invaluable and trustworthy. They may be available via a phone call, email or visit, or even over a breakfast, where you can run things by them. They may meet with you on a consistent basis, perhaps weekly or even daily. At Status, our team meets constantly regarding the new and existing clients. Just imagine, each of our vice presidents, who are actually CEOs of their own companies, all diverse in their own disciplines, now bringing their insights and strategies together relative to a clients' business, in order to create a cohesive plan. How can a brain trust like that ever get consensus and agreement to move forward with a seamless, integrated strategy?

The answer is rare, to not at all, at first. It's odd when any two of us agree, much less as many as 15 of us, but that is our value, and should not even remotely be considered a hindrance. How does it work? Embrace the differences of opinion. Let all the perspectives in. Then, as the head person or business owner, you make the decision. The rest of your team will know that you value their opinion and they understand that once the decision is made, it becomes everyone's decision. They will present a united front and help to move the project forward. This premise works for every company regardless of size: Argue as individuals, make the decision and carry on as a team.

Who holds the door open, probably the last one to leave.