Frustration is natural, but don’t let it take over

As a business grows it is not uncommon that a leader can feel unfulfilled by the way it has developed. This is confusing, because it’s successful, profitable and from an external perspective seems to be running well. However, conventional success does not always translate into personal satisfaction.

Reasons for this frustration are varied and might be caused by the organisation’s overreliance on its leader, or it performing below potential. Sometimes, this demotivation can spread to colleagues and in more extreme examples, restrict the progress of their organisation as a whole.  

Don’t become dispirited; it’s well within your grasp to meet, or even exceed, your aspirations.

A limiting mindset – Just keep on keeping on

Sticking resolutely to your existing people, processes and systems, might seem like the best strategy for your company, but this misguided loyalty could well be holding you back.

There could be multiple reasons for maintaining the status quo:

1.  They’ve got you to this point, why shouldn’t you trust them?

2.  You want to be loyal to the people who have helped you so far and their ways of working

3.  Making changes will require an investment in money, time and effort

This are all natural concerns to have, but if you believe your business is slipping into a phase of frustrating inertia, something needs to change. It will never feel like the right time; you will always be busy. You just have to bite the bullet to take the next step.

What got you here is very unlikely to get you there.

A missing element – Curiosity is key

I encourage my clients to get curious about where they would like to take their organisation and in what ways they might like to attain this goal. It can often be the case that they have an ideal vision in mind, but are hazier about the means of reaching it. This is understandable. If the previous methods will not progress you further, finding new ways of thinking can feel a little daunting.

Look for inspiration from other companies; they don’t even have to be from the same market as you, they just need to function in a way you admire. To do this, you might consider joining a mastermind group, or attending some networking sessions.

An alternative to this is consulting the specialists within your business and asking for suggestions on how they might revise your existing processes, to produce better, more efficient, results. Organise one-to-one meetings, or perhaps an ‘away day,’ so you can discuss potential changes with your colleagues in a frank and productive way.

A third option is talking with an objective party from outside your organisation, to gain a fresh view on the situation you are so close to. People you might consider conversing with could include your accountant to get a more detailed financial plan, a coach who can provide you with some original insight, or another leader further along their business journey for practical advice.

The solution to this issue is to interrogate what you already have. Keep it at the back of your mind: how could this be better?

A different perspective – Reframing

It might seem strange to be so questioning of the people, processes and systems that have served you this far, but I assure you this new mindset will reveal things you had never considered before.

You don’t have to voice every concern you might have, but enter each meeting or initiative with an analytical eye and you will be surprised what you discover. In my initial work with leaders, I run specific activities, so they can adopt this curious perspective. I call this process reframing, because it allows you to look at the familiar differently.

Although it may seem that this detachment would decrease the general fulfilment you feel, it is a necessary step for improvement. Objectivity is inherently dispassionate, but will help you regain the momentum and enthusiasm you once had.

Cast you frustration aside and ask yourself, ‘what needs to change?’