As entrepreneurs and founders, we know our businesses better than anyone. We built it from the ground up, and we’ve been the go-to expert for every decision. But as your business grows, this mindset becomes a liability. The biggest challenge isn’t about knowing everything anymore; it’s about realizing that what you know is no longer enough.
The problem starts when we get so used to being right that we stop listening to others. We become so hung up on our own expertise that we can’t let go of the idea that we know the most. The reality is that as your company scales, you’ll reach a point where you’re no longer the smartest person in the room. The key to sustainable growth is to stop trying to be right and to focus on getting it right instead.
Three Strategies to Get It Right
1. Mindset: Be Right vs. Get It Right
This is a fundamental choice every entrepreneur must make. Do you want to feed your ego by being right, or do you want to feed your wallet, your team, and your clients by getting it right?
When you first started, your singular vision was essential. But as you build a business that can run without you, the focus needs to shift. Your goal is for your team to be the ones getting it right. Stop worrying about who came up with the idea and start focusing on what’s best for the business.
2. Ensure Everyone is on the Same Page
Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone is arguing, but you realize they’re not even talking about the same thing? I call this “violent agreement.” Everyone thinks they’re right, but they’re working to solve different problems. This leads to circular arguments and stalled progress. It can also fool you into thinking you’re right and others aren’t, when in reality you didn’t communicate the issue clearly.
To get it right more often, you must ensure that the entire team shares a clear, common definition of the problem you’re trying to solve. Everyone needs to be working toward the same goal.
3. Give Your Team the Win
Sometimes, you need to let your team be right, even if you have a different solution. When starting something new, there can be several acceptable ways to approach a problem. Let your team take ownership.
When you allow your team to be right, they gain confidence and are more invested in the outcome. This accountability helps the business, the team, and the customers achieve the best possible results. It’s no longer about you; it’s about empowering your team.
The transition from an owner who has all the answers to a leader who empowers their team to find the right answers can be challenging, but it’s essential for long-term success.
Author: Mark McNulty, Business Coach in Louisville, KY