By EFC Chairman Nicholas Cokinos

Nicholas Cokinos

Let me start with a strong statement: “Treat the business as your very own.”

By implementing this statement, you will experience a dramatic change in your thinking. Too many employees take the opposite standpoint of, “That’s not my job.” By thinking like you are in the business for yourself, you create a vision and energy that is simply unstoppable. Your desire, interest, and involvement simply explode. It becomes a whole new ballgame.

Now wait a minute. You may feel that you are accountable for results and beset with problems, but here is where the magic comes into play; you now have a whole new outlook. Suddenly, you realize the boss is looking at you in a different light. There is a greater receptivity and respect towards your ideas; you can see the favorable look in his eyes. He can now see you are helping him solve problems and sharing interest in the progress of the big picture.

You find yourself expanding your focus, feeling empowered, radiating with positive vibes. Believe it or not, your peripheral vision improves. You can see where you can cut costs, serve the students better, increase productivity and become conscientious of the financial health of the company. Most of all, a metaphysical metamorphosis will take place: you will develop a deep-seated, genuine interest in the feelings, progress and welfare of the student. This really feels good and you get a sense of contribution and accomplishment.

Now let’s add another dimension and examine why this is so practical. To act as though you are self-employed and taking personal responsibility give you a sense of your maturity and entrepreneurial spirit. Can you see that in effect you are constructing your own future? You are already practicing the skills needed to become your own boss. You then start to shine, build an inner confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment. Why does this transformation happen? It’s because of the way you have been thinking and acting. You say to yourself, “I am my own boss, owner, competent manager and have learned to expand my thinking beyond self. Most of all, I can take on challenges which appeared to be complex and scary. I operate from a solid base.”

Let’s back up for just a moment. What if you don’t particularly want to own your own business, then what? I can tell you that if you are interested in a promotion, better pay and progress into new and exciting work, you will accomplish it. What a win-win situation that will be!

For emphasis, realize again that an employee is rarely informed or aware of what the boss really does. There is so much work that has to be done behind the scenes: dealing with governmental red tape, paying rent and signing leases, marketing, advertising and community relations. However, if you decide to learn these behind the scene skills, you will find yourself truly prepared for a bright future.