Mixing Family and Business: Reflections on Systems and Memories

Revisiting Our Earliest Headlines

Reflecting on the past often gives us context for the present. I kicked off this episode by asking Shirley, Tom, and Kim about the first major news stories they remember. Shirley reminisced about her family’s creative 'gunshot' system for election results, pointing out when Franklin Roosevelt won. Her recollection of Russia's Sputnik launch echoes the global fear and fascination that spurred scientific advancement.

Tom whisked us back to the Korean War's end, recalling exchanges of prisoners on black and white TV. The war's shadow influenced him as a young observer, illustrating how media began shaping public perception. Kim, on the other hand, was struck by the Watergate scandal as a child. Her reminiscences speak volumes about its lasting impact on public trust in government. As for me, my first memory etched by history was watching the moon landing. These stories from our childhood intertwine with who we are today and how we manage the challenges in our business lives.

Crafting and Evaluating Business Systems

After our nostalgic trip, we delved into how we create and sometimes dismantle business systems. Just as our forebears created systems with what they had, our businesses today demand innovative and adaptable systems. A significant example is how our businesses are adapting to the cashless trend, reducing cash handling to streamline processes and focus on customer experience. This change required us to over-communicate with our teams and prepare them for what to expect, ensuring that everyone was on the same page with new policies and scripts.

Kim shared her approach to the unforeseen viral moments like TikTok’s impact on our business. Her strategy of ‘making what the customer wants’ aligns with a proactive system, staying flexible yet grounded in customer service. Social media inevitably reshapes how we interact, emphasizing why systems must be revisited continually.

Stop, Revise, and Simplify

A compelling part of our discussion centered on reducing redundancies — stopping systems that no longer serve us. This was starkly evident when our beloved yet bloated report system needed a revamp. After overwhelming staff with exhaustive data, we dialed back to only essential metrics. This streamlining not only saved time but allowed more focus on essential business strategies. My takeaway? Always prioritize simplicity over complexity in your business systems.

Engaging New Perspectives

As Kim pointed out, holding ‘ask me anything’ sessions with new employees is crucial. These conversations offer fresh insights by revealing which systems may seem outdated or unnecessary from a newcomer’s perspective. If the only rationale behind a workflow is "we’ve always done it this way,” it’s time for introspection. Tom's added insight about tailoring records and adaptable solutions further underscores the importance of being both planned and flexible, combining data with real-world needs.

The Balancing Act of Systems

This episode reinforced the delicate balance required in nurturing and transforming systems in our business. While systems ensure consistency and efficiency, remaining agile keeps us ahead of the curve. Our reflections on early memories remind us where we come from, grounding our future steps in a blend of tradition and innovation.

As we continue to mix family insights with business sense, remember that the systems we choose to preserve or change frame the story of our businesses just as vividly as historical moments frame our personal lives. Embrace this evolving narrative, and always be ready to adapt — after all, progress is found in both memory and change. To get all the detail make sure to listen to the full episode here!

Talk soon.