Three Threats to Your Business Castle

During the English civil war, many aristocrtic women had to defend their castles while their husbands were away fighting. In 1643, Lady Mary Bankes held Corfe Castle against the parliamentary forces for six weeks, personally defending the upper ward with her daughters, waiting women and five men, by hurling down boiling water, stones, and red-hot embers so effectively that the besiegers reportedly "ran away crying". The castle was eventually taken not by force of arms, but by treachery: one of her men led a group of the enemy into the castle.

There are three kinds of enemies in the world of business: First, the obvious enemies, like unscrupulous competitors, bureaucrats, and crooked customers. Second, yourself: you are your own worst enemy when you're negative, lazy, dishonest, unfocused, fearful, or compromising. But the third kind of enemy is the most dangerous and insidious, and that is the trusted team member who is actually a duplicitous, double-dealing traitor, and who will lead your enemies into your castle. They will conspire to undermine and sabotage your progress and make trouble in the ranks. They are the deserters who will befriend your enemies.

Good leaders, as we learn from Sun Tzu's Art of War, are always on the lookout for internal enemies like this. They should be mercilessly removed and dealt with before they can do too much damage. Do not ignore the signs of a provocateur, which are contact with your enemies, avoiding communication (hiding), complaining, low production, and discontent. You will see them preparing alternative incomes and their words will reveal their true feelings if you listen well. Guard your business castle from internal as well as external enemies.

Robin J. Elliott www.DollarMakers.com