As leaders, we know that we should be spending as much time working on the business as in the business. But many of us still struggle to find that balance.
Other things, however, seem to get in the way. Business opportunities push us off balance. Problems take up valuable time and compensating for limited resources cuts into our time to focus on the big picture. There are times that we think that no one else but us can do the job the right way.
Businesses can be derailed when their leaders aren’t spending time thinking strategically about the company. Others can see talented leaders burn out from the workload as they try to balance thinking strategically with actually doing the work that needs to be done.
It’s not easy to shift focus from working in the business to working on the business. Successful leaders, regardless of the size of their organizations, find a balance. Here are some techniques that can help keep leaders on track with their business planning.
Be accountable to someone
Report your progress or plan to a coach, consultant, mentor, partner or someone else you trust. Being accountable to someone helps you stay on task, remain focused and receive valuable feedback.
Budget time each week to work on your business
People often complain that there is no time on their schedule for planning. Pick a time each week to work on the business. Make that time non-negotiable and let everyone know that is a time you cannot be bothered.
Include your people in the process
Often the best ideas for your business come from those who work for you. Take time to ask your people if they think the company is focusing on the right things and solving the right problems for customers.
Accept that sometimes you need help
Accepting help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, asking for help shows that you are human and recognize that there are spaces where you need the knowledge of others. Try to delegate when possible. Also, prioritize. You may find that delegating or waiting to complete a task will produce better results.
Hire the right people for the right positions
This seems like a basic tenet of business. Having the right people in place will not only produce better results, but you will spend less time correcting the work of others allowing you to free up your time to plan and strategize.
Good leaders know how to run a business. The best leaders also know how to work on the future of the business. It takes commitment, but with a disciplined approach the appropriate work balance can be achieved and the long-term business results will accompany it.
