Like many traditions, this one started by chance when I was making a point to a Findaway Manager one day in my office. It turned out to be fun, impactful and my signature move for nearly every new Findawayer and every coaching session. I didn’t realize until years later that a common question among the team after meeting with me was “did Mitch rip the corner of the paper for you?”
I don’t know about you, but I must write down every thought I have or run the risk of not remembering it; and the magic seems to always come from small, innocuous thoughts. My blessing and curse is that these thoughts never stop coming, and I need to capture these thoughts in the moment or they are gone.
I loved one-on-ones at Findaway. We were so busy grinding away that these sessions allowed a half hour of deep and emotional connection that could only happen in the privacy of an office with one other person. I had one-on-ones every single day and the bonds that were created will last a lifetime.
One day in a one-on-one, when one of our most talented managers was sharing the roadblocks they were facing and the challenges to move an initiative forward, I asked a few questions to better understand. As I reflected on a supportive response, I looked over at the 8-10 scribbled-on Post-it notes to my left and then grabbed a clean Post-it pad and pulled one sheet off. I tore the smallest piece of the paper from the bottom right corner and held it in my right hand, while also holding the larger piece in my left hand and passionately shared: “I think you are spending too much time on the things that don’t really matter, (wiggling the larger piece to represent 95 percent of time) but the only thing that matters is the 5 percent (raising up the smaller corner piece) — focus on this 5 percent. Never waver or compromise here and you will get everything you want and need. Ninety-five percent of what we do doesn’t matter, but the 5 percent is everything.” We continued the discussion and emphasized elevated coaching and personal development for the team. We further shared thoughts on supporting the team’s execution so she could focus more on strategy and then we shared our thoughts on how the 5 percent is everything principle applies to our non-work lives. As the discussion ended, I went to throw away the two pieces of the Post-It note and she asked to keep both pieces as a reminder of the discussion. About a week later, one late night while alone in the office, I walked by her area and saw the two pieces neatly arranged on her desk and thought maybe I should try that again. So I did, and a new tradition was born.
Inspiration comes from unexpected moments — always be open to what can be.
Define your 5 percent — your values, your commitment, your beliefs, your all-ins — and live them every day.
The next time you get frustrated or taken off center by the 95 percent, remind yourself that it really doesn’t matter. Handle it and move on.
Go start a new tradition that can impact those you care about most. That’s what they will remember because it’s part of the 5 percent — it’s everything. ●
Mitch Kroll is Co-Founder and CEO, Findaway and the Founder & CEO, Amber
