Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends, share a meal, and think about all the things you are most thankful for in your life. Yesterday, you most likely enjoyed much needed time with loved ones, a second helping of pumpkin pie, and maybe some football or board games with your family. But there were also quite a few business lessons tucked between the mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Now that Thanksgiving is over and you have time to reflect, here are several business lessons we could all learn from the Thanksgiving meal:
Not Everyone Likes Cranberry Sauce
There are going to be products, hiring decisions, or business stances you take that not everyone is going to like. Don’t throw out the ideas just because someone might not like them. Cranberry sauce, or even the green bean casserole, is still an important part of the Thanksgiving meal. And even if you have dissenters in your business decision, it’s important for YOU to decide what’s best for the business.
You can also learn a lesson or two about personalization here. If you make everyone’s favorites, be careful not to exhaust yourself. Personalize the things that will have the biggest impact on your audience.
Don’t Overfill Your Plate
You know what happens if you pile too much food on your Thanksgiving plate and then try to carry a drink along with your silverware to the table? You either drop it all, or you struggle carrying everything, spilling along the way. It’s okay to take a step back and evaluate everything you have on your plate – and perhaps save a few things for another trip.
When running your business, if you pile too much on your plate, you won’t be able to manage it all. Stick with portions and projects that won’t make you feel weighed down.
It’s Okay to Not Be in Charge Every Once in a While
You’re always the boss of your business, but it doesn’t mean you have to be the boss of Thanksgiving. Let yourself be a guest; be okay with not being in charge for once. When you visit someone else’s house for Thanksgiving, don’t try to micromanage everything. It’s okay if the drinks aren’t where you think they should be, or the table isn’t set how you would set the table. If everyone is fed and happy, then they did their job.
It’s okay to just attend an event without feeling like you have to be in charge. Plus, sometimes giving someone the opportunity to be in charge allows you to learn something special about them and their abilities. (Like what exactly was that delicious side dish’s special ingredient?)
You’re Not Always Going to Agree With Aunt Mildred
Disagreements are going to happen, in your personal and professional life. When you have an argument with a family member or a business partner, you have to think about the fact that it might not actually be worth fighting about. If you aren’t going to change Aunt Mildred’s mind, and she’s not going to change yours, then you have to let it go.
And if you can’t let it go in your business disagreements, then you have to figure out a way to compromise so everyone wins.
A Power Nap Can Do Wonders
Whether you’re a toddler, a grown adult watching football, or a stressed-out business owner, a short cat nap can change your whole perspective. You’ll wake up with more clarity, and probably more room in your stomach for seconds. A power nap, or even a short mental break where you focus on anything other than what’s stressing you out, will help you see a new direction.
Studies have shown that a 20-minute nap increases productivity and clarity.
We are still small business owners, even on holidays, so it never hurts to think of the event as a lesson in business relations. Use the memories from your Thanksgiving meal as an opportunity to learn a lesson or two. It may just help you gain new perspective going forward this busy holiday season!
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