On survival and renewal.

I vividly recall another near-death experience in business. Years ago I called the Lund and Company team together to announce we were closing down the company. We were hemorrhaging cash and I didn’t want to die broke. But after a weekend of contemplating my future, dreaming of renting boats on Florida’s Intercoastal waterway or some other low-stress semi retirement occupation, and some intense consultation with a business colleague, I came back to work on Monday.

             

I recommitted to keeping the doors open and surviving. We had a draconian strategy to cut the staff by 50% and costs across the board by 25% or more. There was a lot of pain, but excitement as well. 

            

I felt refreshed and energized again. I was going back to work because I chose to and not because it was my habit to do it day after day. That changed my approach to my work and changed the kind of results we achieved. Our best days came years later. 

            

Quitting, closing the company, if only in my imagination over one weekend had the effect of lifting a great weight from my shoulders, and I returned to my life’s work reenergized. I have been grateful for that ever since. 

 

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