6 minute read
ROSS SWAN
YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY IS NOT JUST ABOUT YOU BUT OF THOSE AROUND YOU
— BY ROSS SWAN
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If you in your own business or contemplating starting one, then its important to remember your business journey not only has to be enjoyable for you, but so does it have to be for your stakeholders.
If you are currently revaluating where you are in your business or about to set up one, the first question you ask yourself is: “am I building a business for my own self-employment, or do I want to build a business that grows through the efforts of others?” The more enjoyable it is for them; the more likely things will happen for you.
It is the goal of every business owner to make a profit and expand the business but defining how you plan to do that is crucial for not only you, but for your employees, suppliers, and customers.
Creating a purpose statement for your business, should clarify to all involved that you want to serve others, not exploit them. It’s important then, what you create is something that both you and your employees can live every day. It’s not just a few words that you frame and hang on a wall. It should indicate the way you go about doing things. It defines your desirable organisational culture that above all, has fun.
Your business is not a separate ‘being’ to you, it’s an extension of you. What I mean here is that the soul of the business needs to align with your values, principles, and purpose, so that you will feel a sense of pride in the products and services that you offer to your customers. If there is no congruency, then you will be in conflict with it. Not a recipe for success.
Conflict creates bad energy and leads to burnout while congruency fuels enthusiasm and positive energy which is needed in spades to drive any business forward.
Determining your core values from your purpose statement is the next step in providing clarity, and a continual reminder, for both you and your employees. Whilst saying ‘for you’ might sound obvious but I have seen many entrepreneurs over the years get so caught up in what they are doing day to day that they lose sight of the obvious. Walk the talk with those values so your employees feel empowered to do so as well.
Have your core values be the catalyst for your daily conduct and performance, thus creating your company culture from the start. If you are already have a business operating, then it is never too late to readjust and move forward. Over the years I have had people say to me, “I will focus on my business culture once I have enough people to warrant the effort”. Well, you are only making it hard for yourself the longer you leave it. The key here is, no matter what life stage your business is in, it’s never too late to start.
These values should form a critical part of job interviews and onboarding, so people are well aware of what’s expected of them at the beginning. You want this to be a factor why they join you or if they can’t live them, why they stay way.
So, remember, creating the desired culture when you start a business is so much easier to do, then when it has staff.
Be conscious of being clear with the words you use.
Providing clarity can often be achieved in fewer words and direct language but back it up with deep critical thought and analysis. That can be tough sometimes because we often talk things up using many words fuelled by our enthusiasm. Stick to less words so people can clearly see the ‘wood from the trees.’
Being proud of your accomplishments, by operating the business based on purpose driven values and principles is one thing, but be equally proud of serving your customers’ needs. Having all stakeholders equally congruent is paramount to the success and value of the business.
A business is not only valued by what it offers customers, but it’s also valued on the people who are in it. Grow your people and you grow your business… that’s where the value lies.
Over the years I have seen quite a few business owners when trying to sell their business having to accept a lower price (or can’t sell it all) because they allowed themselves to be the focal point of the operational side of the business. Of course, the fewer the staff you have the more ‘operational’ you need to be. Just be always looking for ways that operational engine room motors along with out you being heavily involved.
If I had a large cheque to spend on a business, I would choose one that doesn’t require a ‘seven day a week’ operational commitment. Why would I want to be signing up for that size effort when I could just invest the money and lie under a palm tree in the Maldives. To compound this, if the operational knowledge was centred around the former business owner it will disappear once they leave, adding to the problem I just purchased.
Equally, if you want to leave the business to your children, leave them a business that has a thriving performance driven eco system not something that requires continual babysitting. Being the engine of your business doesn’t add the value. Being the visionary, and occasionally stepping in when needed, does.
So, to summarise:
On one hand, the business is about you. That is, it must be congruent with your values and purpose, thus driving the overriding strategy.
On the other hand, it’s about those around you, your stakeholders. Through them the business grows, from being a job you created for yourself, to a business of value, that you started but won’t finish.
Regularly reflect on making sure both these hands are clapping together and build a legacy to be proud of.
And most importantly- have FUN! If you can’t have that, then what’s the point.
About Ross Swan
CEO Soul Inspired Leadership Pte Ltd
CEO Orion Human Capital Pte Ltd
Ross is a perceptive and responsive leadership consultant, coach, and trainer, with broad experience in varied industries worldwide continually helping leaders to reduce their stress in managing people.
Ross is also a dynamic speaker and podcaster with outstanding skills in communication, presentation, training, team-building, and interpersonal relations.
He works internationally with his projects encompassing many diverse cultural backgrounds.
Throughout the years, Ross has developed a growing desire to put an ongoing emphasis in bringing more soul into business and he believes that the most effective leaders stay true to their authenticity by being soul inspired and it starts by being able to lead yourself.
You can catch Ross at:
www.soul-inspired-leadership.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossswan1/
https://twitter.com/RossSwan2
