Bruno's Web Tip

Bruno Gideon is a regular columnist for the SCCC website. Bruno will share some of his wisdom with our readers by giving useful tips for everyday life and practical advice for today’s entrepreneurs.

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The Correction Factor

All you’ll get from strangers is surface pleasantry or indifference. Only someone who loves you will criticize you.
– Judith Crist

The Correction Factor

“What is the single most important factor for success in business?” I was asked this question recently and my answer came fast: “It is the Correction Factor!” But what is the Correction Factor? Good question. It is my literal translation of the German word Korrekturfaktor which I consider to be the main reason for my positive business experience in Switzerland.

The Korrekturfaktor has prevented me, on numerous occasions, from making mistakes and this is how it works. You have an idea with respect to creating something new, resolving a problem that is bothering you, or attending to a complex situation and you are looking for a second opinion. Most people don’t want to hurt you and they’ll usually just say, “Well, that might work -- good idea.” But someone might say, “I don’t like it!” Bingo! You have found your Correction Factor. That doesn’t mean that you should believe everything he or she says, but having an honest second opinion might just prevent you from running into a problem.

But as with everything in life, there is another side to the coin. The danger is that you become dependent on what others say and suppress your ideas. This is the opposite of what you really need. It is just a second opinion, nothing more, but it might reveal something that you haven’t thought about.

Just as you admire the courage of those who challenge you, so you must have the courage to make the final decision yourself, even if it contradicts their opinion. Don’t forget: the responsibility is yours. The good thing is that you now have the freedom of choice!

Have you found your Correction Factor? If you have, consider yourself to be lucky. You are on the way to success!