There Is Value in Struggle

Added July 7th, 2009

By Tom Reilly, author of “Crush Price Objections”

“In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.” – Albert Bandura, Stanford University

There is value in struggle. I didn't say there was pleasure or enjoyment in struggle, just value. The survivors of this Great Recession will one day be able to tell their stories of struggle and success to new generations of managers and salespeople.

By now, most companies have shed the inefficiencies and practices that no longer add value. Most people have shed the excesses that have defined lifestyles for many. Neither of these corrections is inherently bad. Both are good for companies and individuals. Many have learned there is value in struggle and have developed a sense of self-efficacy in their efforts to prevail.

There is value in getting lean. Streamlining and returning to one’s roots is invigorating. It's the organizational equivalent to the vine dresser’s pruning and prepping the vines for future growth. He removes the unproductive branches so as not to distract valuable resources from those that will produce.

There is value in being strong in weakness. It’s not so much the promise of the philosopher, Nietzsche: "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." It is more about finding strength you didn’t know you had prior to the struggle. Each of us possesses a wellspring of strength we dip into when times get tough. The really good news is that the strength is also there for good times.

There is value in the synergy one must find to prevail in tough times. If energy is the resource for individuals, synergy is the indefatigable resource for survivors. John Donne wrote, "No man is an island" Survivors understand the power of we over me. The wonderful part of a support network is that when one is weak, another can be strong. That reciprocity ensures someone is always willing to carry the load.

There is value in releasing the creativity and inventiveness that struggle calls for. Is necessity the mother of invention? Maybe. Resilience researchers at ASU found that survivors are inventive. They rely on their resourcefulness to find a way out of their difficulties. They make do with what they have.

There is value in the humility that accompanies adversity. Adversity strips away faades and introduces to our naked and vulnerable selves, generally the most likable part of any of us. It is in those dark moments that we cry out for the help that only the humble can appreciate, "I can't do this on my own." Then, miraculously, help arrives.

For those who read these Sales Bytes, you know my optimism is relentless; I am always looking for the light. It sure beats sitting in darkness.

Good Economic News

This new feature will share with you some of the latest good economic news–share with others.

1. The Home-run Derby and All-star game are coming to St. Louis next week. Go Albert!
2. My UPS driver is working overtime to deliver all his packages.
3. I finished my latest manuscript last week and it went to the publisher.

Good news, like love and hope, is better when you share it.

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