“Imbalance sheet” is strictly financial spreadsheet terminology. Max
first ran across it working at a Kmart in Lorain, Ohio, a small city on
the coast of Lake Erie between Cleveland and Detroit.
At the time, it was commonplace to keep bookkeeping records on
large green analysis pads. Lucy, the store’s bookkeeper, said the
books never balanced the first time. She began calling it her
“Imbalance Sheet”. She would spend hours going through several
hundred of the week’s entries trying to find a number that was only a
few pennies off.
With computer technology today books normally balance
themselves, but not necessarily to the exact number (due to
rounding) or to the manually maintained cash drawer. Also today’s
Excel spreadsheets can be thrown off balance with an incorrect
formula embedded within in. Talent is required to find the wrong
formula much the same way Lucy had to analyze her imbalance
It is this second fact that has allowed the “Imbalance Sheets” to
transcend the age of technology.
Max wants you to know about the imbalance sheet because it relates
to self-confidence. Lucy was not confident in her abilities. Despite
being one of the best bookkeepers Lucy had no confidence in her
Eliminate imbalance sheets by building the confidence of your
employees and peers. Point out the successes on a regular basis until
they believe in their talent.
Use this term for developing skills in these areas:
A Bizerm™ is a new business term combining two
descriptive words into a single word or phrase whose
definition is often only known by those using it. To
see more terminology in the workplace, click here.
©2007, 2017 Max Impact, Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA