“I’m REALLY frustrated! Everything seems to sit on my shoulders. My staff don’t take responsibility, stuff doesn’t get done on time, mistakes happen. I’m working very long hours. I’m tearing
my hair out!”
Sound familiar? I’ve been there and you’d be surprised at how many times I hear this from fellow business owners.
When I’m feeling this way (which happened recently) I remind myself to hold a mirror and ask myself what I’m contributing to the situation.
Am I taking responsibility or am I abrogating it and playing a “poor me” game.
Which is often a confronting question to ask. I’m often not happy with the answer.
But unless I’m honest with myself and reflective, I can’t change my mindset.
And guess what. There are times when Barbara has to pull me up by asking difficult questions. Which I’ll admit I don’t always like – as it puts me on the spot.
But as a leader, I have to suck it up. That’s the price of leadership. Being reflective and accountable.
Given this, when a client complains about the same thing, I gently remind them that they’re the leader and the buck stops with them. We reflect on what they’re doing to cause their part of whatever’s going on.
If you’re finding yourself in a similar situation and feel it’s useful to have a sounding board and mirror, contact me. We’ll work together to help keep you on track so you run a better business, make a bigger impact and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
