If you want to run a successful business, you not only need to play to your strengths, you may need to manage them. Just because you’re good at troubleshooting problems, doesn’t mean you should.
As you make the shift to working on your business versus in your business, moving from the go-to troubleshooter to coaching others so they improve their decision-making muscles is a priority.
You may wonder why it’s so difficult for others to make decisions. Yet, you created a culture where they come to you because you’re the troubleshooter and the decision maker. In essence, you want to undo the very culture you created.
The good news is you created your current culture, and you can create something new. As you know, as the leader of your business, you’re responsible. You’re responsible for being the visionary and being the catalyst for strengthening the decision-making aptitude of your leaders.
The next time someone on your team comes to you with a problem, resist the urge to give them the answer. Instead, ask them for permission to coach them. Once permission is given, ask them if they were the owner of the business, what would they decide. If their decision is off point or missing a key consideration, ask them questions, like:
• Have you considered X?
• Is that in alignment with X (our values, policies, etc.)?
• What happens if we do X?
• What might the ramifications be to (our customers, employees) if we choose that way?
With your coaching, they will develop the capability and confidence to troubleshoot and decide for themselves. When your team discovers the answers for themselves, you create bench strength: the very bench strength you need to create the space for you to work ON your business.
PS. If you’re ready to work ON your business, I invite you to join us for the Wake Up Profitable Boot Camp for Business Owners on Thursday-Friday, April 25-26, 2019. In two-days, you’ll collaborate with other high-achieving business owners, strategize and systematize your business. Register before April 12 and save with Sponsorship Code: 2019WUPBETTYB