Forming a committee instead of a team

As an entrepreneur, you need others to help you achieve your mission. You build a team to support your vision. Employees work together, help one another, and hit one target after another. At least, that’s the plan. By now, you know that reality often turns out differently.

Just because you bring together a group of qualified people doesn’t mean they actually function as a team. Some people have hidden agendas, don’t support one another, or don’t buy into the organization’s vision. In short: in reality, employees aren’t a team, but a committee. They’re out for their own gain. Company goals are important, but not as important as their own goals. For example, they want to keep their jobs, look good, or climb the career ladder. Especially with an uncertain future, a team is the exception rather than the rule. But committees exist in virtually every company. If you can create a real team, you’ll save time in every area.

Working within the company rather than just for the company

Not enough time. It’s the most common complaint among entrepreneurs. In reality, however, it’s not about a lack of time. When someone says they don’t have enough time, the problem is actually a lack of leadership. That person doesn’t have a clear understanding of what constitutes their core activities and what doesn’t.

As an entrepreneur, you can unconsciously get bogged down in tasks that are no longer part of your core business. You think: I’ll just handle it myself; that way, at least it’ll be done right.

It’s true: there’s a lot you can do on your own. At first glance, it seems logical and practical to handle this yourself and tackle that task. You could take on all sorts of hands-on tasks right now, but you’ll be far more effective if you focus on leading your business and your people. A surefire way to stay small forever is to handle everything yourself and never ask yourself whether what you’re doing is actually moving the organization forward. A powerful leader dares to doubt themselves, take a critical look, and recalibrate their compass. Many of the things you’re doing now would be better (and far cheaper) if outsourced to a capable employee. If you have a crystal-clear understanding of what your absolute priorities are, you’ll reclaim a lot of valuable time.

Ineffective communication

Unclear communication (or even a lack of communication) ultimately always leads to a less effective organization and poorer results. A lot of money and time is wasted.

Ineffective communication can create challenges throughout an organization. And it always starts with the entrepreneur. The ability to communicate clearly and appropriately is a fundamental requirement for every leader. If you are unable to listen and speak effectively, you cannot expect your team to do so. A leader who hasn’t mastered language and communication still has the most important steps ahead of them. It is the foundation for a company that moves faster and faster to the next level—and wastes not a single second.

Grab your tools

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