What Are You Asking For?
Legacy signals
Legacy popularity: 920 legacy views
I was recently talking with a successful restaurateur about some of the difficulties he was having at his business. Like many small business owners he was putting in so many hours working in this business that he had little time to think about working on his business. In particular he needed some managerial talent to help share the load. When I asked him what he was doing to find that help, he said that he had put a sign out in front of his business saying “dishwasher wanted.” He said he had hundreds of applicants but that none of them were suited for management. I asked him if there were some good dishwashers out of that lot and he said yes but what he really needed was a manager. Finally the light came on. If he wanted a manager, then a manager is what he needed to be asking for.
Getting clear about what you really want is a critical first step in ultimately getting what you want. That is why coaching is so powerful. It helps people get crystal clear about what they need to do. Once you are clear about what you need to do the appropriate actions will naturally follow. I wouldn't walk out into the middle of a busy highway during rush hour because I'm clear about what would happen. When you get that clear about what you really want, it is much easier to inform the world around you about what you need. Then both you and others can go to work solving your mutually connected problems. I am confident in today's job market that there are lots of people looking for work that would make great managers. More than likely those same folks are not looking for a job as a dishwasher. Get clear about what you want and then specifically tell others what you want and you'll probably get it.
Article author
About the Author
From teaching people how to clean toilets to running a cleaning supply company generating millions of dollars in sales, Randy has always been focused on training and developing people. After graduating with a degree in psychology, he spent the next several years managing high-tu
over, labor intensive industries – food service and contract cleaning. Working with thousands of employees and clients, he quickly honed his training skills and ability to maximize human potential.
People are the difference. In 1986, Randy started Springfield Janitor Supply in Springfield, Missouri. He took the company from an upstart business operating out of a garage to a regional company generating millions of dollars in sales and employing fourteen full-time employees. For the most part, the cleaning supply business is a commodity business driven by price. Randy was able to set his company apart and generate exceptional margins by providing effective, world-class training programs for his clients and employees.
Randy works full time as an Executive Coach, consultant, and trainer. He is also is an adjunct professor for William Woods University’s MBA program teaching classes in entrepreneurship, management, and marketing.
His latest project is called Leadership Book of the Month, which was recently profiled in the Springfield Business journal. Leadership Book of the Month is a quick and easy way for business owners and busy professionals to keep up with the latest trends and developments in business and leadership without having to spend hours and hours reading. Learn more about the project at www.LeadershipBookOfTheMonth.com
andy Mayes, MBA
Professional Certified Coach, ICF
Coach, Trainer, Management and Organizational Development Expert
www.TheSuccessCoachNetwork.com
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
Advanced Humidity Monitor and Equipment Temperature Monitoring Solutions for Reliable Healthcare and Business Environments with TempGenius Expertise
In todayâs highly regulated and technology-driven environment, accurate monitoring of temperature and humidity has become a necessity rather than an option. From hospitals and pharmacies to data centers and food storage facilities, even minor fluctuations can lead to costly losses, safety risks, and compliance violations. This is where a dependable Humidity Monitor and robust equipment temperature monitoring system play a vital role. Humidity levels directly affect the perf
February 12, 2026
Article
Trusted Accounting Services for Dentists and Precise Bookkeeping Solutions Tailored for Colorado Dental Practices
For dental professionals, managing a busy practice while keeping up with accounting tasks can be overwhelming. From handling payroll and patient billing to tracking expenses and staying compliant with tax laws, dentists require precise and efficient financial support. Thatâs where Ask For CPA steps in with tailored accounting services for dentists and dependable bookkeeping services in Colorado, this firm helps dental practices streamline their finances and focus on deliver
January 10, 2026
Article
Overcoming Challenges in Solar Appointment Setting for Large-Scale Projects
In the fast-evolving world of renewable energy, commercial and industrial solar installations are gaining momentum. These large-scale projects promise long-term savings, energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint for businesses and institutions. But before a single panel is installed, thereâs a crucial step that determines the success of these projectsâappointment setting. Unlike residential solar projects, where homeowners are usually the sole decision-makers an
April 18, 2025
Article
How Solar Companies Can Boost Sales with Smarter Appointment Setting
The solar industry is booming, but with more competition than ever, companies need to refine their approach to securing and converting leads. One of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of the sales process is appointment setting. Without a steady flow of qualified solar appointments, even the best products and pitches can fall flat. Recently, Solaralm hosted an insightful webinar focused on helping solar businesses maximize their sales through effective appointment
April 14, 2025