I recently read an article in the April edition of Entrepreneur
Magazine by Christopher Hann, entitled “Control Issues - as your company grows how do you
transition from start-up entrepreneur to leader?" The online version is titled a bit more pointedly: Can You Evolve From Control Freak to Emotionally Intelligent Leader?
Mr. Hann quotes extensively from Professor Ed Hess and his
book Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth forEntrepreneurial Businesses. Professor Hess’s research has shown that
successful entrepreneurs go through stages: from owner to manager to leader to
coach. In this process, Hess says, they often need to adopt personal qualities
that conflict with their very makeup. That is they must delegate and trust.
I can identify very well with this. I owned several
businesses in my career from retail, distribution, assisted living and others.
I learned many times the hard way that delegation of responsibility and trust
is the only way your company will ever become truly successful.
As an example, I once went away for a three week executive
education course. I would diligently call in each day to check on what was going on. A few
days after I left, a real disaster occurred. Certain industries, as you know, are bound by specific
rules and regulations, and even one employee violating those regulations can
injure the entire business’s standing. In other words, a disaster. And not a
good time for me, the owner - the Boss - to be away. But my COO was ready for the task at hand, and handled everything to a
satisfactory resolution. I didn’t even learn about the matter until after the fact! It was then that I realized the
power and potential of delegation and
trust.
I won’t
kid you; delegation and trust is very difficult at first for most of us small business owners.
You really have to hire
well. And train well. And communicate well. But once you’ve got the
right people in the right jobs, you’ve got to get yourself out of the way and
let them do their jobs themselves.
Once you break through that barrier it will allow your business to
thrive.
Identify and focus on your
strengths - this is where you will do your business the most good - and delegate those other tasks to trusted associates. Try it, you’ll like it. And so will your management team.
Best,
Jeffrey Ross
If you would like to discuss business & leadership
matters further, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to meet with
you.
