I often speak with disillusioned business leaders who feel stuck in what seems a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Putting out fires, juggling resources, handling cash flow, and a million other things.
They work long hours, feeling the burden of responsibility where everything appears to rest on their shoulders.
I nod and ask them what they’d like instead.
Some would just like weekends off. Not having to think about business.
Others being able to take an extended holiday, confident their team would have the business grow in their absence.
Decades ago, one of the most profound books on business I read was the E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber.
Gerber postulates that every business runs on systems and people run the systems.
Which means first figuring out the core processes you need to document and systemize.
Now I hasten to add you don’t have to systemize everything. The 80/20 rule applies. Pick the most important stuff first.
And then have appropriate people (including yourself) be accountable for following them.
On that note I’ve created a video on how to ensure that the right people are in the right roles.
It involves 4 parameters. Does the person subscribe to your organization’s values? Do they understand the role, want the role and have the capacity and capability to fulfil it.
You can watch it here.