From operator to CEO: Improve and monitor your business processes
As the owner of a company, you are not simply the chief operator, but the CEO (meaning chief executive officer) and that title is there for a reason!
This role implies that you make executive (as opposed to operational) decisions and this concept is vital if you want your company to be successful.
Being the CEO and making executive decisions means that you are not involved in the day-to-day running of the company and you are delegating tasks, rather than doing everything yourself and being the bottleneck (see our blog about being the bottleneck that explains this concept more).
“Changing your mindset from operator to CEO enables you to delegate operational responsibility and gives you more time to concentrate on your business growth, new goals and innovative strategies.” – Ee Zen Cha, REAVA Solutions
It is completely understandable because as the person who single-handedly founded your business, you want to get involved in every aspect of the running of the organisation. After all, it is because of you that your business is the success it is today.
Unfortunately, it is very unhealthy for your business if you fulfil a role of both CEO and operations manager. It is simply not doable!
This scenario of wearing two hats at a time is too much for anyone to take on and you may be neglecting certain vital areas that need work and that are vital to the increased growth of your business.
How to let go of the business process and look at the big picture
1. Delegate to your manager: One way to know if you are fulfilling too many roles at once and being too involved in the day-to-day running of the business is to have a look at your manager.
Are you confident in your manager’s abilities to run your operations and do they have the necessary skills and training to do so? If your answer is “no”, then it is very possible that you may be the problem.
2. Think like a business owner not a business operator.
When you have learned to let go of certain responsibilities and not to hold on too tightly, the next and most beautiful step in being a business owner can begin – thinking more like a business owner and not as an operational employee can benefit your company in more ways that you can even imagine- so maybe it is time to let go of this role.
3. Train your team to do your work
You don’t have to have a team to start thinking like a CEO. But the first thing a CEO would do is get a team! If you have a team, start training them.
By training managers up to take over key functions of the business, you are building your team and giving them the necessary skills to take the company to the next level. In doing so, you are allowing them to shine and you can focus on streamlining operations in order to maximise profits and hidden money.
Great examples of CEOs (they don’t monitor their business processes!)
Examples of great and effective CEOs include Emma Isaacs of Business Chicks, Sophia Amoruso of Girlboss and Naomi Simson from RedBalloon.
- Emma Isaacs founded Business Chicks and today focuses her energy on encouraging women to take the lead and follow their inner courage in business.
- Sophia Amoruso has a wildly successful company and has been able to delegate her operational functions to team members while she concentrates on writing inspirational and encouraging blogs for women.
- Founding her company, RedBalloon from home in 2001, Naomi Simson now has over 3 million customers. Due to her success in running her business effectively and being able to delegate tasks to team members, she is now able to consult others on fostering a great workplace environment and encouraging entrepreneurs.
All three of the above women have one thing in common: They have learned how to be successful in their roles as business owners and understand the importance of delegating responsibility to their teams.
Next steps to becoming the CEO of your business
If you would like to follow in the same footsteps as these great women, why not book a 30-minute process mapping call with us to get started?
In this call we will look at what systems you need to find hidden money in your business, the systems that need improving and a personal roadmap and plan to help get your business working more efficiently and effectively so you can save time and money and get back to doing what you do best!
Book your session here: Obligation Free Process Mapping Session
Ask me anything, while working on your business: Co-working session
If you have any questions about organising your business and you also want time to work on your business, join me at my next free co-working session.
Here, I will help you clone yourself and make your business more profitable!
You can register here: Online Event
