Much like a parent with a child, as business owners, we can sometimes be quite protective of our business. While our company gains traction and increases its revenue, the temptation to oversee every individual aspect rather than outsource certain duties is very common.

Are you an overprotective business owner?Ask yourself the following questions, answer them honestly and the truth will become apparent.

Is Everything Running Smoothly?

Not all systems run at 100% capacity, all the time. Even if it’s running fine now, it would be foolish to assume that this will always be the case. What happens if something comes along that attacks your business ferociously, such as malware or a virus, and you don’t have the necessary IT support identified to assist? There are always going to be bumps in the road, so it’s vital that you understand the concept of the bigger picture, and this means getting help on board proactively vs. reactively.

Have People Been Voicing Concerns?

Maybe you’ve been stressed recently, or people are apprehensive to talk to you about specific problems. Or, people have been asking each other if you’re okay a lot lately. If people voice concerns, it’s important for you to listen to them. If you are running a business akin to a tyrant, then people aren’t going to be as receptive and productive, which means they won’t work particularly well. Many organizations implement a holistic approach to running a business, and this means, generally, having a more human approach to business running, as opposed to the big boss. Which management style are you most comfortable with and will that work for your business long-term?

Will The Business Function Without Me?

We can have such a vice-like grip on our business, that if we were to fall ill, the business would collapse. This is why it’s essential for your company to have its own self-sustaining infrastructure, and you have to put it to the test. It’s time to do less and delegate more. Delegation is going to benefit you and your employees. Because you are entrusting your employees with more duties, they are going to reciprocate that trust in you. It shows you to be a healthy functioning leader, but in times of crisis, it’s going to be much better for everyone to have their duties mapped out. This level of trust makes it easier for you to take time off when necessary without worrying about things while you’re away. Sometimes running a company puts the pressure on us, and we can feel so protective over the state of our affairs, that we flat out refuse to hand over the reins to anyone else.

It’s imperative that business owners be mindful of becoming micromanagers in their businesses, as doing so will have a devastating impact across the board. Your employees will suffer, productivity will suffer, and therefore, so will your company.

So, having responded to the questions? Do you believe that you are possibly overprotective of your business? What areas will you examine more thoroughly to ensure that you or your decisions are not the cause of any future problems within your business?

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