I was recently asked what advice I’d have for pros who are just starting their career, and it led me to think far beyond the quick answer I think they were looking for.
I never chose hardwood flooring. The universe said: "See that guy? Sweep the knee!” (And that did happen, literally.) “Okay, now, put that kid in hardwood flooring, they're gonna need him." And you know what? In nearly four decades, I continue to achieve most everything I've strived for regardless of whether the path I have traveled was of my own design or not. Hardwood flooring hauled me in, and I'm here to stay. Thankfully, I have the greatest colleagues I could ask for in an amazingly fascinating industry.
First, you need to know what I've gained from my wood flooring career. Because of hardwood flooring, my wife and I own our home. Our beautiful daughter is a doctor and mountaineer. Our handsome son is a robotics engineer and lead guitarist. Each has a brilliant significant other in their lives whom we love, respect, admire and adore. And both personally and professionally, I have the funniest, brightest, most talented, colleagues, cohorts and compatriots ever assembled. Not too shabby for a floor guy.
Starting a career in wood flooring? Seriously, first find out who YOU are. Where YOU excel. What are YOUR given talents and special gifts? I believe all people know inside what those are, and they know because no one else but them has that unique combination of gifts. Call them blessings, I do. And I'm forever grateful I have them. Build your life and career around those gifts. Not only will work become a pleasure, but many successes will come through the application of your unique strengths and a lifelong commitment to constant, never-ending improvement.
WARNING! DO NOT make the mistake of believing that any one of these personality types is better than another and can create success in your organization on their own or by creating and hiring clones of themselves. This is where leadership comes in. People ask, "Why does an orchestra need that baton guy?" Just ask the musicians. Any organization without great leadership will fail to pull together their "talent." Find great leaders. Be a great leader. Build a team. Be part of a collective. Only when these folks come together as a cohesive unit will measurable success be achievable.
If you work alone or maybe have just one partner and you don't feel you have the three components (Entrepreneur, Manager, and Technician), do your best for the time being to play those roles yourself. Define them in writing with their specific responsibilities until you do find the folks talented and dedicated enough to take the ball and run with it. Bring them together as a team. Wield that baton, maestro! Be a leader. Success will soon follow in many ways.
A side note: I don't believe in the "self-made" individual. What?! That person didn't have a Realtor, mailman, freight company, management team, staff, town planner, highway department, infrastructure, government, family, friends, colleagues? "NOPE! Just did it by muhself!" Yah, I don't think so, sport. You never have to go it alone … ask for help.
Appreciate each other at all times. Respect your colleagues and friends professionally and personally. Be thankful and humble, you'll be amazed by the results. If you forget everything, and you're at a loss, simply be helpful. Just be helpful. If you love and respect those around you, they will return it tenfold. If you're physically doing labor ... work smart, safe, and take great care of yourself mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Read all of Stephen Diggins' articles and blogs on the WFB website here.
