My favorite show: The Profit

I love “understanding” people!

I enjoy learning more about why we “do what we do…”

I believe that “work” – and what we “DO” in life is the fabric of who we are – whether as a CEO or as a volunteer somewhere!

This leads me into my favorite new show.

It is called The Profit. (Link is here.) 

I mentioned this show in one of my February posts (HERE) and well, this show is now a family fav! Usually we all just record individual shows to watch individually later on the DVR – but the last few Tuesday nights have had us gathered around the flat screen, tuned into CNBC, to find out if The Profit, Marcus Lemonis, is going to make a deal or not.

The Profit is a show about turning around failing businesses  = but it is so much more = it is about improvement and righting wrong choices! 

The Profit is a….poignant show that is Packed with basic principles of psychology that goes beyond business….

Marcus Lemonis is a businessman who invests his own money to help failing businesses. But he is not just about writing a big check and doing the handshake– instead, we get to observe a brilliant stud of a businessman – who strategizes a “repair plan” that teaches us about life, relationships, and the basic need for a good plan.

The Profit’s motto/mantra has three key “P” words: good business revolves around “People, process, and product.”

But there are a lot more “P” words that come to mind when I watch the show. In fact – 8 more! And I just have to share:

1. Passion:

 The Profit brings his genuine Passion to each endeavor – he enjoys what he does – and the passion he brings to the smallest details permeates each deal.

2. Plan:

Things are just better with a good plan. 

Would you get in your car and drive aimlessly around the city? Well maybe for a cruise in the Jag you would do this at times, but even that drive would be a part of a larger plan – And The Profit is a show that highlights how an effective plan – how NEEDED DIRECTIONALITY-  is crucial to all success.  It is essential for so many parts of life – whether running a home, a classroom, or different areas of a business. 

 

3. Personal:

People that can properly prioritize their personal “issues” will have more success in all areas.  In every episode we see this wise principle highlighted – and how the “best” thing to do may not be a personally desirable choice, but it is good for the long-term aims.   Like in the Eco Me episode (here), changing the product label may not have been a preference for the owner, but it was needed for that product line! And my husband and I were just in Petco last week and we actually saw a few Eco Me pet products – and what pulled my eye was the updated and colorful label.  Seeing that modified label reminded me about how it was not the personal preference of the owner – and yet her yielding on what she personally wanted led to a better market fit for her product. 

Also, in the most recent episode, Amazing Grapes (season 2, #7), the owner, who had to work on being present (and other things), well later on, the “staff” had to determine if it was a good idea to have the owner’s band playing there- it was nothing personal if they said “No” – they all just had to decide whether or not it was good or bad for business.   Another example from the show comes from the emotionally charged WorldWide trailer episode (here) where we see how personal issues, like raw wounds of broken trust between partners, can hurt the “help” process – and in this case – the personal issues became a ball and chain to fixing the business. 

You see, there are certain times when we just have to keep our personal preferences (or issues) out of the equation. This does not mean we compromise – or fake anything –  and it does NOT mean that we lose our special touch – or our niche – it just means that we prioritize where, when and if  “personal” stuff fits in – and then move forward.

When we prioritize – we can enjoy our personal stuff more in other ways…

4. Prudent:

Success in any organization is grounded in common sense! Which actually makes me think of some “C” words that come up on the show, like how success is also rooted in “Communication” – “Collaboration” – and keeping your COOL! And in each episode of The Profit we see Marcus model a genuine response – with some prudence. 

There are times of giving tough love with finesse – times of  firmness – big time!  – and then times of extending grace – and we even see examples of his having to keep his cool with dropping a few f-bombs” along the way (bleeped out 😉 ) and I think this also adds to the show by showing us the very real side of the layered mix that is involved with managing repair plans! 

5. Partnership:

One of The Profit’s key business tips is to “be a good listener” – and this means working WITH people – in a partnership format.

Good leadership is not about ruling over or bossing, it is about “hearing” and respecting and working with others as a team!  When we operate with partnership – when we empower others (using wisdom in how we do that of course) – well we can pull from each other’s strengths!  When each person is in the right role – the team runs on all cylinders.

6. Potential:

The Profit identifies unseen potential – in the people, product and process  – and then zooms in.

This is a show about HOPE – and how how planning and strategy –can lead to possibility – because  things CAN get better. 

7. Pressure:

Each episode highlights how the right amount of Pressure is a good thing. Pressure is sometimes (often) the catalyst needed to motivate and drive behavior – and it can lead to more effective performance and help us get rid of what is NOT working. In the Athans Motor episode- a little pressure was needed to rev up ales and to bring in the proper inventory.  

8. Pleasing:

The show is about repairing failing businesses so that a profit can be made –but it is also about how pleasing it can be when things are “running right” =  this goes beyond any profit percentage – which matters very little to me personally.  But when things are right – everyone wins!   And HEALTHY FUNCTIONING has a rippling effect – ! And whether planning for a little ol’ family of four or crunching big business numbers – it’s a pleasure to have things aligned. 

The Profit is a show about “righting” wrongs. Marcus highlights improvement, repair, and how “aligning” things just makes everything better – and this applies to ALL areas of life, not just business! Many times our life situations need to be “righted” or realigned = And this show has tips that apply universally.  This show aims to save failing businesses (and jobs) but it also serves as a reminder that a well run business allows people to work with PRIDE, which edifies.

We were designed to work, which goes beyond extrinsic reward like money and profit; because “doing work” is at the core of who we are – and work is good for us!

  

In closing, The Profit is a show that highlights what I am passionate about, which is:

BEING UNDER GOOD LEADERSHIP is one of the best feelings in the world.

The season finale episode is next Tuesday night – and I don’t know where you will be next Tuesday at 10 p.m., but the Priorhouse will be tuned into CNBC to find out what kind of deal is made with the Key West Key Lime Pies (link is HERE).

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If you watch the show, please let me know what you think!  

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and yes, that is Eddie Van Halen jumping in the photo – click on the pic to see more….