It’s a common problem and we’ve all seen it - business owners that are just ‘too busy’ all of
time, and as a result, do not enjoy success in business they had hoped for. Let’s not kid ourselves, there is a lot to focus on: technology, employees, sales, marketing and so on. These functions are essential and need to be well organised and managed.But there is a second aspect to business success that is often overlooked – effectiveness of person running show. Businesses are a reflection of people who run them. If those people are ‘too busy’, stressed, or poorly organised, then these characteristics are reflected back in business. The underlying behaviour and values of business owner drive how much control they need, how they will delegate and how they use their time.
If business is to grow, then owner has to take necessary time to learn new roles and skills that a growing business will demand. Imagine for one moment where you would like your business to be in 5 years time. Then ask yourself: “Is it possible that I can be exactly same person in 5 years that I am today and fulfil that growth strategy for my business? The answer has to be no.
Business owners need to be prepared for new learning and taking on new, different, and bigger responsibilities - without fear or hesitation. The reality is owner is usually limiting factor in growth - business can only grow to extent to which owner grows.
When owners feel out of sorts, overworked, and like they are running faster and faster, it is almost always because they have fallen victim to reactive "let's go faster" management approach. They are forced to live from problem to problem, and may fail to see their own (lack of) self-management as part of problem.
There are four reasons why business owners don’t manage themselves better: •Being comfortable - we all do what we are comfortable with – it’s human nature. So we keep doing what we have always done •Not knowing what else is possible •Not knowing that there are other ways to do what they are doing •Actually getting energy (and maybe some identity) from being stressed and overworked
There are 5 steps to take in road to better self-management:
1. Clarify personal goals for future. Many business owners lose sight of these as they get immersed in day-to-day running of business. Articulating your personal goals can reveal any issues about whether these support or conflict with their business goals. These goals need to cover both immediate and future plans. What do you want to achieve personally in next 1 to 2 years. And where do you want to be in ten years time?
