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Keep Your Eyes On The Road: Using Your Core Focus To Keep Your Business On Track

Mar 29, 2019 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger, Sue Hawkes, Certified EOS Implementer, Certified Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Best-Selling Author. We hope you enjoy Sue’s wisdom and perspective.

Keep Your Eyes On The Road - BlogImagine driving on a highway you’ve never been on before. Preferably you’re driving a convertible and the views are breathtaking. In this scenario, it’s unlikely you’ll notice the guardrails. However, the guardrails are almost invisibly keeping you on track, guiding you safely and efficiently to your desired destination. In your business, your Core Focus™️ functions the same way.

Your company is the vehicle and your Core Focus is the guardrail for your journey; keeping you moving forward, allowing you to focus on what you do best.


Why Core Focus Matters

Quite simply, your Core Focus helps you determine what to say yes and no to as opportunities continue to present themselves. As the guardrail, it helps you to avoid driving off-course when distracted by a shiny object - read “irresistible opportunity.” Once you determine your Core Focus, it is your filtering mechanism for making decisions. It is your “sweet spot” in your business. If a new opportunity does not fit your sweet spot, you must say no - regardless of how attractive it seems.

One of my current clients avoided a disaster by using their Core Focus to turn down a new client. Although it offered a lot of potential revenue, the client work was not aligned with their Core Focus. If this client were to work with that client, the client would have caused internal problems with resource allocation and support. As opportunistic entrepreneurs, these situations occur all of the time and it is up to the leadership team to refer to the Core Focus, and when appropriate, say "no" to any opportunity that doesn’t fit.

In addition to being the guardrails to your long-term goals, which all your systems and processes serve, your Core Focus inspires and motivates your entire company. By definition, it is why you do what you do coupled with what you have superior skill to do. Adhering to this not only makes you more successful with the clients you have, but it also helps you focus and attract the right clients. Without your Core Focus, you can’t maximize the opportunity you offer the marketplace and you’ll end up wasting time, energy, and money chasing opportunities you’re not uniquely gifted to serve.


How To Define Core Focus

Defining your Core Focus is an exercise for your leadership team, and it is best to set aside a few hours offsite for discussion and debate. To start this process, ask the following two questions:

  1. What is our reason for being? In EOS®, this is defined as the purpose/cause/passion of your business; the why you do what you do. It should not be clear what business you are in from this statement; it is about a purpose larger than money or product. An example of a great Core Focus is one from my client, Victors Roofing. Their Purpose reads: "Under our roof, we take care of people."

  2. What is our niche? This question helps you determine what you do better than anyone else and defines your “sweet spot.” Again, Victors Roofing keeps it clear and simple, their niche: "Roofing."

Once everyone on the leadership team has had a chance to ponder the questions, begin sharing answers. Don’t get discouraged if it takes some time to uncover the answers; this is normal and together your team will identify what truly makes your company special. Your guardrails will be set to guide you on your dream highway!

What’s The Risk?

Without a clearly defined Core Focus, you risk veering off course with no guardrails to keep your business on track.

Use your Core Focus to keep doing what you do best. Use it to stay on track with where you are going and reinforce it every quarter during your State of the Company address. Stick to your Core Focus and enjoy the ride as you speed past your competition!

 

This content was written and shared by guest blogger Sue Hawkes. It was previously posted on EOSworldwide.com on March 4, 2019.

Sue HawkesSue Hawkes helps CEOs and their leadership teams succeed. As a bestselling author, award-winning leader, Certified EOS Implementer, Certified Business Coach, WPO Chapter Chair, and globally recognized award-winning seminar leader, Sue brings over thirty years of business experience to her clients.

 As CEO of YESS!, Sue has designed and delivered dynamic, transformational programs for thousands of people. Her most recent book, Chasing Perfection- Shatter the Illusion; Minimize Self-Doubt & Maximize Success, is available now. Sue is also frequent contributor to publications including Inc.EntrepreneurThrive Global and the New York Daily News

Sue’s passion is helping people design and live successful, fulfilling lives through powerful leadership, effective communication, no-nonsense coaching, and healthy teamwork.

Connect with Sue via her website, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Topics: Executive
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Written by Gibson

Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. As an employee-owned company, Gibson is driven by close relationships with their clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in Northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. Today, Gibson serves clients across the country from offices in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Utah.