Your business doesn’t need a hero
When you, as a business owner, insist on doing everything yourself, the consequences are predictable and not pretty; burnout, bottlenecks, stalled growth, and a business that cannot function without them.
I get it.
You feel like you need to do everything because:
You don’t want to spend the money (or can’t)
You feel like you need to know how to do it
You are the expert at it/ nobody can do it as good as you
You are a control freak
A dangerous story many business owners tell themselves: “I do all my own stunts.” I was reminded of this recently on a call with the wonderful Kate Davis.
It’s bold perhaps, committed some would say, even admirable to a point. In reality, it’s often the very thing keeping your business from growing, it’s stressful, and it’s far too dependent on you.
If everything relies on you, you are the system. That’s not scalable, you’ve just created a very busy job.
I was trapped working six days a week, revenue stalled and had lost my mojo. My son said “You are always on your phone working, Dad!” and gave me that disappointed look.
Ouch.
The change happens when you stop seeing yourself as the hero and start acting like a business leader. You have to start building a team that complements your strengths, has shared values, and takes ownership of what needs doing so you can work fewer hours.
You didn’t start a business to work this many hours right?
I started by finding an accountant and bookkeeper that was proactive, asked the right questions and was actually keen to help me and my business grow. One that met me regularly, gave me reports and recommendations and took the pressure off. Many talk a good game but don’t or cannot walk the walk.
Then, I outsourced all of the tasks that were not customer facing, that didn’t put fire in my belly and didn’t generate income. I found people who loved doing those things and were far better at them than I was.
Fast forward four months and I was working four days a week, had more than doubled my income and the time with my son was better than ever. Mojo restored and business potential starting to be unlocked.
Here’s how to get started.
Clearly defining your core values. These aren’t a list of sexy adjectives on a wall. These are the non-negotiables that you must use to hire and fire. The opposite of the very things that grind your gears.
CV says they can do the job. Values say they will do the job.
Skills can be taught, values are embedded. Misalignment here will cost you time, energy, and culture.
Stop hiring people who think like you. Instead, hire people who are strong where you’re not. If you’re still doing work you shouldn’t be doing, or don’t enjoy, you’re holding your business back and your mojo will be long gone.
Clarity is also non-negotiable. Your team should know exactly what success looks like - this comes down to a clear vision and purpose and great communication. Vague expectations create poor performance. Clear expectations create ownership and accountability.
And finally, lead. Coaching, mentoring, training and holding people accountable is your real job now. Not doing everything, but ensuring everything gets done well.
Actions to take:
Define your core values and hire and fire by them
Identify what you shouldn’t be doing and delegate it or outsource it
Build roles around outcomes, not tasks
Set clear expectations and simple accountability measures
Coach, mentor, and address underperformance quickly
The starting point when I work 1-2-1 with every client is to understand what puts fire in their belly and what lifestyle they want. Then we start building a team that allows them to do what delivers most value and free up time to do more of what they love - family time, travel, sport etc.
If you’re still wearing “I do all my own stunts” as a badge of honour, it’s time to rethink the role you play. Build a team you trust, step into true leadership, and create a business that gives you your time, and life back.
If you’re ready to stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that works for you, not because of you, let’s have a conversation.