Business Education

Have You Tried the Discarded Napkin Test?

Have you tried the discarded napkin test? Perhaps you’ve never heard of it because it isn’t an actual thing. But, this simple sociological experiment does reveal some fascinating insight into how we perceive others and gauge various environments. Don’t bother Googling it, you won’t find any on-point results. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not useful.

Try the Discarded Napkin Test for Yourself

The discarded napkin test is a simple one. And, it clearly demonstrates the importance of appearance. Here it is: go into a casual restaurant prior to the lunch hour rush. Crumple a clean napkin and place it on a clean but empty table. Sit nearby and watch how many people past the “tainted” table up for another. Eventually, if there’s no more tables available, someone will muster the courage to clean it off. Or, give into the frustration of the limited seating options and swipe it to the floor.

Many workplaces have dress codes, particularly workplaces in industries in which image is highly valued and workplaces in which employees have regular face-to-face contact with customers. Whether you are considering setting a dress code for an existing workplace or trying to decide whether your new retail store will require employees to adhere to a dress code, consider the broad benefits and potential drawbacks — like backlash from casual-dressing employees — of such a move. —Houston Chronicle

The point is, people will choose to sit elsewhere even when the only flaw with a table is a discarded napkin. That’s it. Its unpleasing appearance is enough to turn off person after person. Although a bit strange, it’s true. And, it begs the question — are employee dress codes good or bad?

Employee Dress Codes Pros and Cons

Okay, so there are a number of dumb office rules that drive employees crazy. But, some make sense to enforce. When it comes to employee dress codes, it’s not always cut and dry. This means, while an employee dress code can actually be a good policy, it can also be a bad idea. Here are some employee dress code pros and cons to consider:

Pro — professional appearance. The single biggest benefit of an employee dress code is it provides a professional appearance. It’s especially useful in retail settings and offices. In the former, uniforms distinguish employees while the latter, business casual provides a professional yet laid back experience.
Con — stifles personal style. Although a dress code does provide a more professional experience, it also can stifle personal style. That can mean rebellion, particularly in an office setting. Team members might feel an imposition and possibly a bit untrusted.
Pro — provides “uniform” experience. Of course, you’d like your business to send a uniform message, which uniforms undeniably provide. However, in an office setting, this is a little more problematic. But, broad rules with clear prohibitions usually works well.
Con — needs consistent policing. Now, the biggest downside of any dress code is the need to police it constantly and consistently. Otherwise, it’s just a suggestion and not enforced policy. At least, that’s the way employees will feel.

What other pros and cons of employee dress codes have you experienced? Do you favor a strict dress code or a loose one? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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Reconstruction Red Shirts Relay a Valuable Lesson Entrepreneurs Can Still Use Today

October 3, 2024 No Comments

You may not believe it, but the experiences of the Red Shirts during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era provide a powerful lesson for today’s small business owners in recognizing when a cause is futile. Why? Well, the Red Shirts were a paramilitary group that fought against Reconstruction efforts in the South, often with overwhelming odds stacked against them. Their struggle, despite fierce resistance, ultimately failed to stop the sweeping societal changes brought by federal authority. For business owners, this history can highlight the importance of recognizing situations where their efforts are likely to result in little or no success, despite emotional or ideological investment. You see, sometimes, persistence can be misdirected, leading to wasted time, resources, and energy. Instead of relentlessly pursuing a failing strategy, business owners should focus on adaptive strategies, learning when to pivot or walk away from a failing investment. In today’s business environment,, just as with the Red Shirts, recognizing when a fight is unwinnable can prevent further losses. Entrepreneurs should focus on evaluating their goals, assessing market conditions, and knowing when to change direction before a venture becomes unsustainable. Resilience in business does not always mean continuing a doomed effort, but sometimes, recognizing when to change course entirely. Learning from the Red Shirts: When to Quit Let’s recap to get the most out of this analogy. The Red Shirts, a white supremacist paramilitary group active in the American South during the Reconstruction era, faced numerous setbacks and failures in their attempts to suppress black voting and maintain white dominance. While their actions were abhorrent, their experiences can offer valuable lessons for today’s small business owners about recognizing futile situations and knowing when to give up on certain pursuits. This is particularly difficult for entrepreneurs because these self-starting, self-reliant individuals often believe they can make any situation work. With enough determination, grit, positivity, and a willingness to push past obstacles, entrepreneurs can fall into the trap of pursuing futile endeavors. So, it’s super important to recognize when something isn’t worth the time and effort. Identifying Futile Endeavors Lack of support. The Red Shirts struggled to gain widespread support, even among white Southerners. Similarly, small businesses may find it difficult to sustain themselves without adequate customer base or investor backing. Opposition. The Red Shirts faced fierce opposition from both sides, residents of the North, and the South and federal forces. Small businesses may encounter obstacles such as competition, regulatory hurdles, or negative market trends. Limited resources. The Red Shirts often lacked the necessary resources, such as funding and manpower, to achieve their goals. Small businesses may face similar constraints, such as insufficient capital or a shortage of skilled employees. Now, here’s the real kicker. It’s not just about identifying when something is futile, it’s about knowing when to give up. That’s not an easy thing for any entrepreneur to do, but on some occasions, it’s not only entirely necessary but appropriate. Knowing When to Quit Persistent failure. If a business consistently fails to meet its objectives despite repeated efforts, it may be time to reassess the situation. This could involve re-evaluating the business model, target market, or even the viability of the venture. Exhaustion of resources. When a business has exhausted its financial resources or is unable to attract additional funding, it may be necessary to consider closing down. Negative impact. If a business is causing significant stress, financial hardship, or damage to relationships, it may be time to cut losses and move on. Learning from the Past While the Red Shirts’ actions were reprehensible, their experiences can provide valuable insights for small business owners. By recognizing the signs of a futile endeavor and knowing when to quit, entrepreneurs can avoid wasting time, money, and emotional energy on ventures that are not likely to succeed. It’s important to note that giving up on a business can be a difficult decision. However, sometimes it is the most prudent course of action. By learning from the past, small business owners can make informed decisions and increase their chances of long-term success. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer,

Ways Business Owners can Deal with Personal Crisis

May 18, 2017 No Comments

Entrepreneurs, by their very nature, are self-reliant. They set goals and achieve them with confidence. When a personal crisis strikes a business owner, it can be very damaging to their corporate environment and even its micro-culture. Suddenly, the dynamics change and can lead to irreparable harm. We’ve all heard the advice not to bring personal problems into professional space, but, some are so large they have a nearly uncontrollable effect. It’s best to bring the situation into perspective, but, doing so might be difficult to accomplish. Ways Business Owners can Deal with Personal Crisis In some instances, it’s possible to prepare a business for a crisis. When it’s impending and inevitable, business owners should prepare by speaking with their team members about delegating and assigning responsibilities, seek legal advice (if applicable), and focus on what’s most important. There will be difficulty in maintaining balance but by being proactive, you’ll have less to worry about. Eventually it happens to the best of us. Something occurs in our personal lives that is so devastating, we have difficulty concentrating at work. It may be the death of a loved one, a divorce, a financial crisis, or serious damage to our homes. When our personal lives are in chaos, it can be hard to focus and get what we need to do done. —Inc.com Unfortunately, it’s often the case that a personal crisis strikes without warning. When it does occur, it can be very burdensome to get through. Even the toughest entrepreneurs will have difficulty trying to deal with upset in their personal lives while continuing to run their businesses. Here are some ways business owners can deal with a personal crisis: Outsource and be willing to ask for assistance. It’s okay to let go and farm-out work during turbulent times, especially if you’re having trouble staying focused and concentrating. Also, there’s no shame asking for assistance from your team — it’s actually a smarter choice. Be upfront with customers. As soon as possible, let your clients know about the situation. You don’t have to go into details, but you ought to alert them to what’s going on, particularly if you’re not able to work as usual. You’ll find most to be understanding and that helps to give you some peace-of-mind. Surround yourself with positive people. This is something that successful entrepreneurs naturally do but it’s very important when you’re going through tough times. Personally, I lean on others as well as my faith and prayer to shoulder the burdens of crisis. It’s uplifting and it can be a way to see the silver lining knowing others are walking with you. Give team members more flexibility. Your employees are huge assets to your business and during a personal crisis, can be the best go-to source for carrying-out day-to-day operations. Give them the flexibility that’s needed to keep your company running smoothly. Do not put undue pressure on yourself. If there’s one thing entrepreneurs struggle with, it’s the fear of not getting the job done. When you are dealing with personal issues, give yourself permission to lighten your workload. Take time to reflect on what’s most important. This is an ideal time to put everything in perspective. Give yourself time off and reflect on what’s truly important in your life. In addition to these, you should be honest with yourself about your life’s direction. Some business owners who experience a personal crisis use it as a learning tool advantageously, but others allow the event to cloud their judgment and make rash decisions. When you’re not thinking clearly, be willing and ready to ask for advice from someone you trust. In my life, I have found great opportunity comes from crisis because of my willingness to reflect and make changes. How have you overcome crisis and remained focused and successful with your business? Want to find out about what a business coach can do for you? [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

November 22, 2017 No Comments

Elon Musk and Richard Branson are two names which really stand out. And, both stand apart from other business leaders. When people hear their names, they probably think about their brands. But, people equally associate their personality traits. Most notably, both individuals are leaders. However, they’re not just leaders — they are bold leaders. Take this Cue from Elon Musk and Richard Branson You might not regard yourself as an Elon Musk or Richard Branson personality. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t be bold. Remember, taking chances and being bold doesn’t mean you’re without fear. Also, it doesn’t mean you can simply look past your blind spot. But, it does mean you have an untapped capacity to go forward confidently. People who choose to be bold are inspiring not just because they get big things accomplished, but because they also instigate growth, progress, and movement for themselves and others around them. Sadly, far more people wait for someone who is bold to lead the way, hoping somehow luck will shine success upon them. —Inc.com Now, you’ll always have insecurities. And, you’ll always have to deal with critics. So, there’s no reason not to act bold. Of course, it might feel unnatural at first and a few tries might totally be a necessity. That’s okay because you’ll have to develop this trait over time. The trick is to balance it with pragmatism. Just don’t let your fears get out of control or give into complacency. How to Be Bold in Business When you’re in business for yourself, no one else will muster the same passion. It’s become a bit of a cliché, although the underlying point remains true. You just need to stay positive and put your doubts in check. Here’s a few suggestions for how to be bold in business: Dream big. If you’re an entrepreneur, chances are good you already dream big. But, not all people who go into business for themselves are big dreamers. Some people don’t like to dream big because it overwhelms them. So, if this describes you, give yourself permission to dream big. You’ll discover more about what you want and what you can achieve. Stay focused. While dreaming big is a great motivator, it’s not a straightforward path to success. To get from A to B, you’ll need a plan of attack. Do this by focusing in on one goal at a time. Each should represent a step in the right direction toward your ultimate goal. Don’t be intimidated. It’s quite easy to feel intimidated when you’re starting out and there’s already another established company plowing ahead. That’s okay, that company didn’t start where they are now. Keep this in mind and you can avoid feeling intimidated by others. Remember achieved goals. Always take time to reflect on the obstacles you overcame. When you put these in perspective, you’ll feel more confident. And, you’ll also realize you do have what it takes to succeed in business. In what ways are you bold? Have you found other traits which make a great leader? How else do you deal with fear? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.