Partner Article

What Fawkes taught me about business

Firstly, we all ‘Remember, Remember the 5th of November’ but why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The reason we do it is because it’s the anniversary of an attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 led by a man called Guy (Guido) Fawkes. It was called the Gunpowder Plot and was essentially about religion.

In 1605 England was a Protestant country, and the plotters were Catholic. The group wanted to return England to the Catholic faith. They thought they could do this by killing King James I and his ministers.

Fawkes and his group put 36 barrels of gunpowder in cellars under the Houses of Parliament in London, ready to set off a massive explosion. Unfortunately for Mr Fawkes one member of the group sent a letter to his friend who worked in Parliament, warning him to stay away on November 5th. The King’s supporters got hold of the letter and the plot was rumbled! Guards broke into the cellars where the gunpowder plotters were waiting. They were arrested, tortured and executed.

Fawkes’ failed plot highlights the small margin between success and failure. If it wasn’t for one member of his team writing the letter, his plan would probably have worked and changed the course of history (and the landscape of Westminster) forever!

Ultimately Fawkes’ plot failed because one member of his team wasn’t fully committed to the cause. As within any business the team is critical, you must ensure that everyone is on board and pulling in the same direction, with no ulterior motives - just ask Mr Fawkes!

It’s equally as important that you make sure any critical suppliers you partner with also understand and care about your business and that they do not just have their own selfish motives at heart.

If you utilise a Call Answering service for instance, or are thinking of using one, make sure that they take the time and effort to understand your business, your ‘plot’ and their importance in achieving the overall goal. Ultimately they are an extension of your team.

So whilst you celebrate Bonfire Night with fireworks, sparklers and maybe even by burning an effigy of Mr Fawkes himself on top of a bonfire, think of this:

Is everyone who is involved in your business, employers and suppliers alike, totally committed to your cause?

If not, it’s time to start doing something about it…

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lemon Business Solutions Ltd .