How Do I Get My Team to Run the Business Without Me
If not now, then when?
We use different words but basically that sums up what we ask of founders that work with us. We talk about stepping forward rather than leaping but we appreciate what sounds simple & logical to us i.e. taking a step forward, probably feels like a massive leap from their perspective
The step or leap we are encouraging them to take is to allow the day to day operations to be run by a team rather than them, thus allowing them the space and time to focus on the future. We want them to get back to becoming the free thinking entrepreneur who set the business up.
Reframe: This leap serves others
What’s in it for me, is the thought process we always have - either consciously or subconsciously - when it comes to making a critical decision. There needs to be an upside. Well good news this one has not just one but three wins attached.
Win #1 It serves ‘future you’ - that version of you will have more time and space in their life
Win #2 It serves your family - they will have you 100% present on holidays and less absent in the evening and weekends
Win 3# It serves your team - they will have the chance to develop and grow into the space you vacate.
Rethink: How do I de-risk this?
We get it you are tempted but what if this doesn’t work. That’s and understandable stance. What you are actually seeing is the risk/reward ratio is not quite strong enough yet. So how do you change that equation?
Simple, build the net ahead of time. The net in this case is your leadership team. Develop your leaders. Creates the manuals for the way you want things done. Share your knowledge across the company.
Lots of small steps. The power of compounding.
Risk is relative and subjective, but there are ways you can reduce to an acceptable level .
Refocus: What do I get to do instead?
The psychologists tell us that there are two generic motivators. The removal or pain or the gaining of pleasure. So let’s focus on them.
OK it might not quite be classified as a ‘pain’ but the knowledge that your business is too dependent on you and that you are always needed is less than ideal. That was never the intention, and it becomes a nagging ache that won’t go away. So a pain of sorts which can be removed by taking the leap.
And the gaining of pleasure? That one is far easier to see.
Space to think
Time to create
Liberation from the day-to-day needs of the business
There is a double win available here. Removal of that ‘nagging ache’ and the gaining of time to be the entrepreneur again.
It’s time to build a leadership team that doesn’t just support your business — they lead it.
