Chapter 9

Controlled Crash Landing

This part of the obstacle course was very unnerving and frightening because there was an undercurrent that we had lost control.  New and unforeseen obstacles were popping up at every turn.  It was taking so much out of each of us we began to wonder if we would ever get this monster called our company under control.

As I look back I understand that everything happens for a reason. But at the time, whilst in the middle of the adventures and misadventures surrounding our public offering, I could not say I understood what the reason could be behind all of our difficulties. I did not know why the course was constantly shifting and moving under my feet, why I always felt off balance and in the dark. All I knew was there was a lot riding on everything I was doing. Everyone was counting on me to come through. The pressure was immense. I had no one to really talk to about how I was feeling, my insecurities and doubts. About how I often felt like I was just going to implode.

During a stressful period in a business startup it is important that we maintain our activities and relationships away from the office.  It is also important to keep our families together. We need to allow ourselves time away from what can be consuming professional pressures, time that can refocus and recharge our emotional batteries. And time out from the office gives us a fresh perspective on what we are doing, strengthens our ability to make sound decisions and keep up with a demanding emotional pace. Never lose your touch with the outside non-office world, especially the world of your family. Nothing is more important.