Are you driving the car or are you in the passenger seat?

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I almost shut down my business - read on to find out why...

I heard a quote this week that hit me hard: “The tail doesn’t wag the dog.”

It got me thinking about how often we as owners slide into decision-making based on what we think our team wants, with the best intentions of course, because we want a positive culture.

We want people to feel heard, and we want to be liked as a boss.

But there’s a difference between listening to your team and letting them steer your business.

We’re the leaders for a reason.

When things go wrong, we’re the ones up late, solving problems and carrying the weight.

That responsibility also means we must not feel guilty to make decisions that protect the mission, the students, the standard, and even our own reward for carrying that load.

How many times in the past have you felt guilty for treating yourself or receiving a benefit from the business? Those moments are rightfully yours!

4 years ago, I remember feeling hard done by my team because I was working so hard, keeping the business afloat all by myself. It wasn't until I made the decision that I 'put my foot down' and gave them all an ultimatum to shape up, follow the systems and rules I set - for the better of the business and them in the long term.

If they didn't agree I told them that I would shut the business down and nobody would have a job.

What it resulted in was a highly engaged and independent team that all understood each others roles, responsibilities, and how they were valued within the business. They felt more confident and they started to run the business without me.

I ended up travelling South East Asia for 3 months with my wife, while still getting paid! It was unreal.

I want this for other business owners and leaders... Not to travel the world necessarily, but to have the ability/freedom to do whatever their equivalent is...

I'm interested... Do you feel like you are being directed a little too much by your team, or by the students parents, maybe?

This week’s check-in:

Where are you the driver? Name one decision you made recently that was owner-led, not people-pleasing.
Where have you slipped into the passenger seat? What decision have you delayed or watered down to keep everyone happy?
What’s the one call you need to make this week that protects the business long-term, even if it’s uncomfortable short-term?

New week, same mission: listen well, lead boldly, decide confidently. 💪🏽

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