Dealing with Our Clients’ Sacred Cows
05/13/2021
“Sacred Cows” is a term that gets used to describe a variety of items. It might describe the original use of the phrase, where animals in some parts of the world are deemed sacred, worth more than anything else, and are allowed to roam free. Anyone that harms them is punished. The term sacred cow is actually an idiom of American origin dating back to the mid 1800’s to describe these animals.
The phrase is now commonly used to refer to a person, organization, institution, program, etc. considered to be exempt from criticism or questioning. Sacred cows can be found anywhere.
Some of the sacred cows that we might see in our clients’ businesses could be a long-term vendor whose products are outdated or over-priced, but the client’s loyalty won’t allow the relationship to end. Perhaps there is a stash of woefully outdated equipment that is taking up shop space, cluttering the farmstead and creating an eyesore, but the elder generation insists on keeping these relics (each one has a great story!) as though they were museum pieces with incredible value. The list could include outdated technology, dilapidated buildings, unproductive genetic lines and even some business practices that are etched in stone and are off limits to your advice and counsel.
Addressing and eliminating sacred cows poses many challenges. First, you must realize when you are dealing with one, and accept that it exists. Then you need to appreciate its origin, learn why it became “sacred” in the first place, and show some respect for the emotional connection your client has with that vendor, technology, equipment, strategy, person or other item in the business. Finally, and this is the hard part—you have to decide if you are going to maintain it, feed it so you can milk it, or slaughter it for the meat.
We can help our clients work through this process in a thoughtful, appreciative and productive manner by showing our interest, while helping them visualize the results of a new approach. The key to the transition is showing your appreciation for the loyalty and/or legacy of the particular matter, and then coaching our client toward the rewarding results—both practical and emotional—of the alternative.
What are some of the sacred cows that you’ve had to address with your clients?
Don Tyler
Tyler & Associates
“Sacred Cows” is a term that gets used to describe a variety of items. It might describe the original use of the phrase, where animals in some parts of the world are deemed sacred, worth more than anything else, and are allowed to roam free. Anyone that harms them is punished. The term sacred cow is actually an idiom of American origin dating back to the mid 1800’s to describe these animals.
The phrase is now commonly used to refer to a person, organization, institution, program, etc. considered to be exempt from criticism or questioning. Sacred cows can be found anywhere.
Some of the sacred cows that we might see in our clients’ businesses could be a long-term vendor whose products are outdated or over-priced, but the client’s loyalty won’t allow the relationship to end. Perhaps there is a stash of woefully outdated equipment that is taking up shop space, cluttering the farmstead and creating an eyesore, but the elder generation insists on keeping these relics (each one has a great story!) as though they were museum pieces with incredible value. The list could include outdated technology, dilapidated buildings, unproductive genetic lines and even some business practices that are etched in stone and are off limits to your advice and counsel.
Addressing and eliminating sacred cows poses many challenges. First, you must realize when you are dealing with one, and accept that it exists. Then you need to appreciate its origin, learn why it became “sacred” in the first place, and show some respect for the emotional connection your client has with that vendor, technology, equipment, strategy, person or other item in the business. Finally, and this is the hard part—you have to decide if you are going to maintain it, feed it so you can milk it, or slaughter it for the meat.
We can help our clients work through this process in a thoughtful, appreciative and productive manner by showing our interest, while helping them visualize the results of a new approach. The key to the transition is showing your appreciation for the loyalty and/or legacy of the particular matter, and then coaching our client toward the rewarding results—both practical and emotional—of the alternative.
What are some of the sacred cows that you’ve had to address with your clients?
Don Tyler
Tyler & Associates
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