The founder of a game company shows how his business is built on fun, creativity and giving everyone a chance to succeed. As Jeremy Burkhardt writes, we can all share in that approach.

Life is an unpredictable journey. The adage that life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans is a lasting reminder to make the most of it.

As I sat with friends and colleagues at the recent CEDIA Management Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, I was struck by our intense desire to succeed – in spite of the financial and emotional turmoil that has engulfed us in the last year.

Here was a group of people willing to step away from their businesses at a time of crisis because they understand the need to sharpen their skills and become even better at what they do.

Various presenters dealt with topics ranging from financial strategies to team building.

However, I was struck by the words of game company Cranium co-founder Richard Tait, with whom I have a lot in common.

We both built successful companies and sold them early in our careers, and we both look at life from a unique perspective – one that challenges the norm.

During his address, Richard emphasised corporate norms, personal growth and progression. His story brought to mind many of the principles that somehow have shaped my own life and made me who I am.

The first principle was passion. That is my number-one motivator.

At first I was passionate about music. Over the years I have built a soundtrack around my life: from the 1970s and 1980s punk that fuelled my individuality and drive to the soft jazz vocals of Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James that transported me to smoky clubs and people huddled around candle-lit tables.

Music is such an important part of my existence that I can’t be without it. What with listening at home, in my car and at events I am constantly immersed in what I love.

Not being a musician, I never imagined there would be a way to make music my livelihood – until I found SpeakerCraft. My career path was then set.

Today my passion for music and entertainment is still going strong, but my passions have multiplied.

I also have a passion for business. I want to join my team in accomplishing great things. I want to see how effective and efficient we can be, and I want to help our dealers grow with high levels of innovation, service and support.

As Richard spoke about the process of creating the Cranium board game, I discovered that we shared another principle: the desire to give everyone a chance to succeed, be recognised and become fulfilled.

As I look at my team, I find myself directly invested in their well-being. I want them to experience the success and good fortune that I have been able to achieve.

We have a culture that is perfect for individuals who want to be in charge of their own destiny. We are not tied to corporate titles or hierarchy. If a person wants to excel, there will be many opportunities to shine.

It was also readily apparent that Richard likes to have fun. He runs a game company for the fun of it; fun is his main motivator.

He promotes fun as a workplace necessity, not a simple diversion. People who are having fun are happier at work, miss fewer days, don’t constantly watch the clock, and project a positive attitude to every customer or client they deal with.

Whether we are dressing up as pirates or planning a bowling night or a Halloween party, having fun is not an option – it’s a mandate.

The prerequisite to all of this is the ability for our companies to make a profit. Without the appropriate revenue model and financial planning, this approach comes to a screeching halt.

Having a dynamic, exciting, cutting-edge company filled with passion and fun is possible only if the company makes money. However, the two aims are not mutually exclusive.

Balance is the key. Ensuring that the bottom line is solid will allow enthusiasm and creativity to continue driving your company to new heights. Life isn’t just about what you buy and own, or how much money you make. It needs to have balance in work, play, rest and all areas you deem important.

Look inside your business. Now is the time to dial in your policies and procedures. For those of you who were fortunate enough to be at the management conference, I am sure you are preparing to implement several initiatives.

It’s all about moving forward and upward. Hone your skills and examine past results. If they do not match your expectations, then change the process. You alone stand in charge of your career and financial destiny.

Fill your business life with passion, fun and creativity. Create opportunities for others to shine, and let them share in your success.

Be the leader, the mentor and the example for your team. Business is a rewarding game. Play to win, but make sure you continue to play no matter how many times around the game board you go.