A Triple-Dog-Dare: Stop Stalling and Solve That Dealership Problem

Nothing could get me moving outside my comfort zone faster as a kid than my friends daring me! Granted, many times those dares weren’t the wisest actions to take, but peer pressure will make you do some amazing things. (And, no, I won’t share any stories.)

The power of a dare: Action

There is no better case for how far a dare can take you than the 1983 movie classic A Christmas Story. In one scene, a young boy named Flick has the gauntlet thrown down for him: the triple-dog-dare. This kind of dare, we’re told, challenges your manhood along with your entire social status. And it can really make people do things that they normally wouldn’t. In the scene, Flick falls for the bait and ends up in the brutal cold with his tongue stuck to a frozen metal flag pole while everyone else runs away. Not exactly the result that he wanted.

I triple-dog-dare you to address a dealership issue

What I am going for in this blog is not to get you to take unwise actions but, rather, to take positive steps. I dare you to take action. Forget that, I’m going to go all in and triple-dog-dare you to take action! I challenge you to address one of these issues for your triple-dog-dare. Or, if you’re tough enough, do all three!

1. Have the tough conversation with “that” employee.

Most departments have one employee who just doesn’t get it. Maybe production is too low. Maybe the attitude is all wrong. It might be that they're deficient in attendance or punctuality. Whatever the reason, you and I both know they are a cancer in the department. Yet, you have put off the tough talk with them. Sure, conflict is tough, and you may not want to lose the person. You also know in your heart that the conversation must happen. Whatever the reason, I triple-dog-dare you to face reality and do it today!

2. Meet with your boss and admit something that you don’t understand.

People never want to admit that they don’t know something. Yet, if our leadership isn’t aware of a deficiency, they can’t help us improve. If you’re not sure of how to improve profitability, margins, or growth—or even the best way to lead your team—be direct and honest with your supervisor. Show them your vulnerability and your true desire to learn. Not only will they appreciate the honesty, but it will improve their respect for you as a manager. Requesting training shows that you want to learn, not just be a smoke-blowing know-it-all who really doesn’t know it all. I triple-dog-dare you to have an honest relationship with your boss.

3. Take charge of your career.

Take time from your schedule to attend a training class or workshop. Buy a book on business or leadership. (Yes, an actual hardcover—without pictures!) And then, I challenge you to actually read it. If YOU don’t take charge of improving your knowledge base, who will? Learn how to become a better leader of your people. Read the book within the next 30 days, highlighting items that jump out to you. Not sure what would be the best book for you? Just e-mail me and I’ll give you a few suggestions. Do whatever it takes to improve yourself. I triple-dog-dare you to get started on the path of self-improvement within the next seven days.

So, there they are: my “childish” dares. While I certainly don’t want to hear about your tongue stuck to a frozen pole, I do want to know if you accept my triple-dog-dares! Send me an email and let me know how it goes!