As a owner of a small business it is interesting the roles that you end up playing everyday. You go from executive to consultant to accountant to marketer to sales sometimes all before lunch! It can be hectic. Running your own business is one of the most rewarding/terrifying things you can do especially when you have a business big enough to have employees that rely on you. They count on you to be a leader, visionary, and manager that will guide them through the good and bad times. With all that said, as I found out recently, it is still extremely important to listen to your people. I had an example of that yesterday. I had made the decision to go forward with something that my guys didn’t feel comfortable with. They called/emailed me (thank god they feel comfortable doing that!) with their concerns and despite my thoughts on the issue, I realized that wait, “They are really looking at the company’s (and of course my) best interest and don’t want us to make a bad decision.”
So despite my original decision, we decided to go their route. Hey, I have no problem stating when I am wrong. If multiple people come to me with the same issue/concerns, then IMO to be a good owner you need to be a good listener and not act as a tyrant or some dictator. Now I will also say I do believe, too, that at some point the owner does have to make the final say despite what others think. It’s a tough position to be in but as a owner/leader you need to know when to go forward or when to hold up and listen first.
Lastly, I know my guys read my blog and I just want to say ‘thanks’ for having high moral judgments and good business minds to continue helping me build this company. My guys are rockstars! Couldn’t do this without them. (Mushy man hugs all around)
Technorati Tags: business, leadership, ownership, running a business, admitting when you’re wrong, thegarlandgroup, bradgarland
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