Today I had lunch with an associate of mine and we touched on the topic of Scarcity vs. Abundance. It brought to mind an important lesson in management. Management roles demand that we choose where we focus our time and energy. What we focus on is what we attract. Focusing on the right things will attract more of the right things. Focusing on the wrong things… well, you get the idea.
The Power of Abundance
When managers believe in abundance, they focus on attracting a subset of a large and abundant pool of whatever it is they are looking for, be it talent, clients, customers, jobs, etc.
They believe and understand that a large and abundant pool exists, and they go after it recognizing that each player in the pool will find it’s right and proper place. These managers typically have a positive outlook, that everyone around them wants to be a part of.
The Misconception of Managers
When managers believe in scarcity, they focus on a narrow population of a small demographic for which they believe there are few buyers. It sounds a little like this: “There is no talent out there to hire”. “Nobody is buying. There just isn’t any interest from the market”. “The economy has really shrunk our business. Nobody is willing to spend.” “We must retain our clients. Do whatever it takes.” “I want a new job, but there are no jobs out there… I’m afraid nobody will hire me.” The outlook is scary, and let’s be honest, few people like a naysayer.
The trap is this: We are what we believe.
The Frailty of Scarcity
A belief in scarcity attracts increased defensiveness, competition and fear. In turn, it turns people off and turns people away.
When you believe in scarcity, you fear that anyone who says “no” to you will bring on the end of your happiness and that there will be nobody around the corner who might say “yes”.
It breeds desperation and attracts more of the same. Next thing you know, you are surrounded by people who are in your same mindset and things start to spiral downward. In short, it causes management to focus on the wrong things, and then the wrong things happen.
Inspire, Grow & Prosper
When you believe in abundance you will attract collaboration, support, talent and richness. It increases creativity, business referrals and trust. It creates larger pools of talent and clients. It wins you friends and allies.
It lets you focus your energy on attracting the clients and talent that are meant for you rather than fighting for the clients and talent who aren’t. What you focus on is what you attract.
When managers believe in abundance, they focus on attracting a subset of a large and abundant pool of whatever it is they are looking for, be it talent, clients, customers, jobs, etc.
They believe and understand that a large and abundant pool exists, and they go after it recognizing that each player in the pool will find it’s right and proper place. These managers typically have a positive outlook, that everyone around them wants to be a part of.
The Misconception of Managers
When managers believe in scarcity, they focus on a narrow population of a small demographic for which they believe there are few buyers. It sounds a little like this: “There is no talent out there to hire”. “Nobody is buying. There just isn’t any interest from the market”. “The economy has really shrunk our business. Nobody is willing to spend.” “We must retain our clients. Do whatever it takes.” “I want a new job, but there are no jobs out there… I’m afraid nobody will hire me.” The outlook is scary, and let’s be honest, few people like a naysayer.
The trap is this: We are what we believe.
The Frailty of Scarcity
A belief in scarcity attracts increased defensiveness, competition and fear. In turn, it turns people off and turns people away.
When you believe in scarcity, you fear that anyone who says “no” to you will bring on the end of your happiness and that there will be nobody around the corner who might say “yes”.
It breeds desperation and attracts more of the same. Next thing you know, you are surrounded by people who are in your same mindset and things start to spiral downward. In short, it causes management to focus on the wrong things, and then the wrong things happen.
Inspire, Grow & Prosper
When you believe in abundance you will attract collaboration, support, talent and richness. It increases creativity, business referrals and trust. It creates larger pools of talent and clients. It wins you friends and allies.
It lets you focus your energy on attracting the clients and talent that are meant for you rather than fighting for the clients and talent who aren’t. What you focus on is what you attract.
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