Managing the Human Being Behind the Business

also [Human resource management]take the necessary time to learn the new roles and
[HR management]skills that a growing business will demand. Imagine for
It's a common problem and we've all seen it -one moment where you would like your business to
business owners that are just 'too busy' all of thebe in 5 years time. Then ask yourself: "Is it possible
time, and as a result, do not enjoy the success inthat I can be exactly the same person in 5 years
business they had hoped for. Let's not kid ourselves,that I am today and fulfil that growth strategy for
there is a lot to focus on: technology, employees,my business? The answer has to be no.
sales, marketing and so on. These functions areBusiness owners need to be prepared for new
essential and need to be well organised and managed.learning and taking on new, different, and bigger
But there is a second aspect to business successresponsibilities - without fear or hesitation. The reality
that is often overlooked ? the effectiveness of theis that the owner is usually the limiting factor
person running the show. Businesses are a reflectionin growth - the business can only grow to the extent
of the people who run them. If those people are 'tooto which the owner grows.
busy', stressed, or poorly organised, thenWhen owners feel out of sorts, overworked, and like
these characteristics are reflected back in thethey are running on a treadmill, it is almost always
business. The underlying behaviour and values of thebecause they have fallen victim to the reactive "let's
business owner drive how much control they need,go faster" management approach. They are forced
how they will delegate and how they use their time.to live from problem to problem, and may fail to see
Growth of the business and the business owner needtheir own (lack of) self-management as part of the
to match upÂproblem.
If the business is to grow, then the owner has to