Hiring and training the right people, trusting them to behave as you would in all situations, is extremely difficult for business owners. Here’s what I see…
Steve Jobs famously said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”
As the founder and owner of a small business, you are in charge of all aspects of growing the company – including elements you’re really good at and those that are not so much in your wheelhouse. But you have to do it all until you consistently generate enough income to make your first hire…
Hopefully you find the best person to complement your strengths. As you grow, this process repeats itself. In the beginning, you’re instructing your new hires what to do, how to do it, when it needs to be done, and what your expectations are for a job well done.
At what point do you let go? Give them the lead to find new solutions and innovations? Live up to the Steve Jobs philosophy?
This is a very difficult transition for the founder! In the BOMBA Mastermind group, we really talk about this question. Who makes the final decisions when you’re out of town? Is there a second in charge? Can you let go of the reins? Are clear organizational boundaries and responsibilities outlined?
Creating this understanding is the first step to scaling your company – enabling you to work when you want on what you love and ensuring you the freedom and security that you dreamed of when you started your business.
Where are you in this process?