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5 Business Haikus That Better You

Perhaps it’s selfish of me.

But I love creating a good Business Haiku.

It has everything I like nestled in one no-space-to-waste pithy little poem.

There’s the puzzle of making the 5-7-5 syllables work.

There’s the challenge of making sure it’s not simply a creative endeavor but a vessel carrying a true insight.

Above all, it’s the intent — here’s hoping you take the following 5 Business Haikus, that can move you forward, to head and heart.

#5
YOU are not just YOU.
YOU are who YOU listen to.
Thank those who grow YOU.

Who do you listen to? If someone lands with you, let them know. Opening ourselves up to coaches, peers and mentors is the greatest gift one can provide themselves. A huge shout out to Steve Wilhite, Lloyd Griffith, Pat Doody, Matt Berman, Billy Collins, Nicole Miller, Christina Love, Ron Berger, Bracken Darrell, and Randy Berman who have each given me expert advice over my life. Little moments have stuck with me from our conversations.

#4
Sure, the truth might hurt.
While hard to share, the truth helps.
Time to pick up time.

We are all time-starved. And we don’t have a surplus of time to waste on figuring out our tomorrows. One way to pick up time? Create a space where people can share freely. Build that emotional safety net for dialogue. With honest conversation comes eventual progress. If you are a leader and no one is sharing back with you, it’s most likely because they’re afraid to do so. It’s your responsibility to create a safe forum for those hard conversations.

#3
Fast Fact: Change is Hard.
The Hardships of not changing!
That’s even harder.

You’re not alone if you don’t like change. While taking on change is scary, positioning “change” in our minds as “new” can shift an unnerving endeavor into something exciting. New remains one of the most marketable and powerful words in business! So, what’s something new you’re willing to lead at your business or organization?

#2
Humblebrag ain’t bad.
Be proud of your wins and cuts.
Stand up for yourself!

If you see my posts as bragging puffery, I’m truly sorry you feel that way. If you see that I’m here to nudge you for the purposes of growth, I’m your guy. No matter, I have enough self-love and belief that the work I’m doing is meaningful. Am I going to land with everyone? Of course not. If I don’t stick up for myself, I can’t expect anyone else will. Don’t be afraid to share and post your victories. The right people will celebrate you for doing so. This is a great lead into my #1 Business Haiku…

#1
My advice to all:
“Own mission” beats Omission
Lock in your Purpose

You were not created and put on this planet to slouch on your couch and watch stories of other people in movies that are “based on a true story” — which is code for not a true story. Only you can decide to opt in on doing more. Do not omit yourself from doing what you are capable of.  Whether your purposeful mission saves the world — or one person — get clarity on your purpose.

*****

The above was also sent out in my “weekly dose of courage” newsletter that’s delivered to 15,000 inboxes every Thursday morning. If you’re up for a once-a-week nudge, consider signing up below.

Ryan Berman
Ryan Berman
Ryan is an author, keynote speaker, and the founder of Courageous. His book, Return on Courage, shows how during these courage deficient times, courage is a competitive advantage for those leaders who choose to unlock it.
Twitter @ryanberman | LinkedIn @ryanberman

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