Happy New Year everyone I hope you had a great holiday season. I don't know if you had some time to sit back and reflect on 1998 and think about your game plan for 1999, I did. Part of my reflective moments includes pondering over the following question. If I can only do a limited number of things this year what should be first on my list?

I spent some time wondering what is one of the most important areas for future success and this is what I've concluded.

"We're only as good as the people we surround ourselves with."

Our businesses are getting more complex by the minute. I used to pride myself on being the person with all the answers. In today's world that is impossible. Keep in mind that today, "a good leader doesn't know all the answers but they know where to get the answers."

I was reading a management book recently and it stated a fact about small businesses, which I found very interesting.

A person starts a business and it lasts through their working lifetime. It takes the successors only half a working generation to put the company out of business.

Why does this occur? Because those who start the business tend to withhold all authority. By doing so, they guarantee that their companies will have short life spans.

This is why we developed the Owner & Managers conference. The complexity of our business has led us to the position that:

· We can't do it all ourselves.
· We can't possibly know everything.
· We can't keep up with all the areas of change.

One solution to this dilemma is to develop others so they can help with the decision making process. Keep in mind that there is usually a hundred solutions to every problem don't get hung up thinking yours is the only "Right" solution.

The upcoming Owners & Managers Conference will do just that. We have developed a program that will help not only you but your 2nd or 3rd in command get the bigger picture of what it takes to run a successful billing company going into the next century. Our businesses are crying out for more professionals. People who will think outside the box. Staff who can find solutions to today's challenges.

You may be asking yourself, "Self, how do I develop a team and empower people."
Well one method is what's known as the: DBMP-BMA method. If you are unfamiliar with these initials the translation is: Don't bring me problems. Bring me answers. In other words to help people start thinking on their own you must teach yourself not to try to solve every problem or always give them the answers. You must sit back, listen to their issues and before spouting forth wisdom, like the geyser "Old Faithful," simply ask them, "What do you think."

Their solution may not be exactly the same as you would have suggested but if it stands up to the following test who cares. The questions are if they do it their way will it?
1. Cost more?
2. Take longer?
3. Upset the client?
4. Cause personal injury?

If the answers to the above questions are no then let them give it a shot. This is not only empowering the individual but enhancing their self-esteem because your are showing them you trust their judgment and value their suggestions. When they have a few successes it will lead to additional creative ideas.

Don't be afraid to listen to your associates' opinion. When you listen you'll receive two benifits. The first is you'll acquire necessary information about the situation. Secondly, it makes others feel important. So get others involved and give them the opportunity to succeed.

I hope that 1999 will be your best year yet!

Remember this monthly feature will address topics of interest to you. I really appreciate your input and suggestions. Please send your questions or ideas on topics that you would like addressed, to: Dave Jakielo, Seminars, Training and Consulting, 86 Hall Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15205-3214. Phone and Fax number 412-921-0976. Email = dave@davidjakielo.com - http://www.davidjakielo.com - HAPPY NEW YEAR!