One struggle most early launchers face is wanting to grow big and grow fast. You’re passionate, you have an idea you believe will win, and you want to see it succeed.
However, most companies don’t get big overnight. So instead of focusing on getting bigger, make it a priority to get better. The “getting bigger” will come naturally. Truett Cathy once said, “If you’ll get better, people demand you get bigger.”
Here are three ways to improve your business:
1. Build a Support Network
Behind every great leader is a great mentor and support system. Humans were created for relationship and community, so it makes sense people succeed better together.
Peyton Day, CEO of Roam, shared the importance of his support system in a recent podcast. He encouraged all launchers to find a great partner who is an encourager, and know them well.
Who do you trust to not only offer encouragement, but honest critiques to help you grow? Find someone who is a confidant, that can be a sounding board for any dreams, ideas, questions, or concerns. The right person or people you trust will help you make better decisions, and in turn, make you a better leader.
2. Show the Vision to the Team
Any organization has to know where they are going, the why, and the how. It’s up to the leaders to paint the picture of where your team is headed and how to get there.
As the business grows, you must continue to cast the new vision. Seeing where you are going and feeling a sense of accomplishment when goals are met is a huge motivator and confidence booster for your team. They will buy into the mission even if they don’t always agree with every step along the way.
Peyton Day encourages every launcher to build the winning formula: a solid foundation on core values and a common sense of purpose and vision with the right people.
3. Be Comfortable Delegating
You can’t do it all.
Leaders have bought into this false philosophy that if you give your team autonomy, it shows you’ve lost control. Nothing could be further from the truth. The key is finding the right people you trust to delegate work to.
A good rule of thumb, according to Peyton, is to delegate a task to someone once they can perform said task at 75 percent capacity. If your team member can do the job 75 percent as well as you can, it is time to pass on the job duty.
Building a support network, painting the vision for your team, and delegating work will empower your team and allow you to elevate your thinking. It is essential leaders work on the business, not just in it. That is where your business will get better and simultaneously get bigger.