Successful Leadership: The Unbeatable Power of Working “On” vs. 'Working “In”
Are you taking time to work on your business instead of in your business?
Whether you’re in a leadership role or own the business, taking a step back to work on your business can be a daunting and difficult task. Business leaders are busy managing the day-to-day operations of the business, and may not set aside time to work on the business. To grow a successful business, it's essential to take the time to work on your business instead of in your business.
Working on your business instead of in it means investing time and effort in reflecting, assessing, and planning. You need to step out of day-to-day operations and dedicate time to strategically align the direction of your business. This work will help you achieve lasting results that make a real impact on the success of your business.
Critical for effective leadership
As a leader, it’s your responsibility to work on the business. If you don’t create a strategic plan, who will? If goals aren’t set, how will you know if your team is meeting expectations? Without a vision, how will your team know what they are ultimately contributing to?
This deeply focused work requires strategic, long-term thinking and planning, and is an essential part of leading an effective and successful organization. Without this type of planning you will be stuck in the cycle of reactive leadership instead of proactive.
How often should you work on your business?
At a minimum, company leaders should meet annually away from day-to-day operations to reflect on the previous year and set new goals. This reflection should include an honest and accurate assessment of business performance, with transparent discussion of what is going well and what is not working in the company.
Company goals then need to be set. Realistic and achievable goals. Lofty goals with no chance of being met are a waste of time and energy. Focus on goals that you have the tools and resources to accomplish. We suggest using our Goal MAP tool to assist you in clearly defining the parameters and milestones to complete your goals.
Ideally, you will conduct quarterly meetings. These quarterly meetings help keep the team on track, serve as a reminder about goals, and allow for resolving new issues or potentially pivoting from previously set goals, if necessary. Quarterly meetings are an impactful tool for accountability.
Ideas to help you work on your business more effectively:
Make it a priority. Put it on the calendar, create an agenda, and stick to it. Even if you are a solopreneur and going at it alone. Hold yourself accountable.
Avoid distractions during this time. Turn off notifications and stop checking your email. Communicate to your team how important this time is and why it needs to be protected.
Ask your team for feedback. What ideas do they have on how you can improve your company? Are there major concerns that company leaders need to discuss during this time?
Ask your clients for feedback. This can serve as an indicator of what is working well with your company and what needs attention.
It can be difficult to carve out the time to work on your business, but there are ways to make the time, such as delegating tasks and restructuring your workday. Ultimately, if you prioritize the company vision, you will be able to take time to work on your business, instead of in it. This invaluable practice is one that all leaders should strive to incorporate on a consistent basis.
By taking the initiative to work on your business, you equip yourself with the knowledge and strategy necessary to properly manage it and lead your team. The result? Proactive leadership, improved efficiency, and a more impactful business.
Now that you know why and how to work on your business instead of in it, take the time to do so. Schedule the meeting and download our Goal MAP to assist you with your strategic planning. If you need help, schedule a consultation. We can guide you through how to work on your business more effectively.
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