As business owners, we wear many hats at work. We also wear many hats in our personal lives. Sadly, sometimes we get so busy and consumed by the business that we forget about the many roles we are responsible for in our personal life. Every now and then, it's wise to examine our many roles and see if we are neglecting some.
For example, most of us are responsible for the following roles in life: Business Owner; Spouse; Parent; Friend; Son/Daughter; Brother/Sister; Aunt/Uncle; Neighbor/Citizen; Faith Member; Club/Association Member, etc. Which of these roles, if any, have you been neglecting because of your business or other excuses?
What does this have to do with business coaching you ask? Business coaching, done right, also helps you to have balance and real fulfillment in your life. After all, what good is it if you are a huge success in business but a failure at home? In order to have business success, you do not have to sacrifice your family, friends, health or sanity. If you are, your approach is broken and you need business coaching immediately. A healthy balance in your life will be good for you, your family and your business.
Let's get back to the point at hand. What roles might you be neglecting? Please don't play games or get defensive. Here comes some tough-love business coaching. I know you are busy at work and have all kinds of demands on your time, energy and focus. All owners do -- you are no different. However, please forget about yourself and your business for a moment and think about your loved ones. Seeing the big picture is critical to real success and happiness. Again, which role or roles have you been neglecting?
Not sure still? Then let's dig deeper into the truth and face reality. Imagine if I visited with and asked your spouse, kids, friends, parents, siblings, neighbors, faith members or others about your level of engagement and involvement. What would they say? Would they say you are present and active in their lives? Would they say you spend enough time with them? That you are a terrific spouse? Great parent? Good friend? Or, would they say your heart and head are always focused on work, even when at home? Or that you are so busy at work you don't have time for them?
If you really want to know the truth, ask them yourself how you are doing with your various roles. No matter what, you need to be honest, accept the truth, and put a plan in place to make amends. You and your loved ones will be glad you did.
Again, who needs more of your time, attention and love? What role have you been neglecting and now wish to correct? Do yourself and loved ones a huge favor. Over the next 90 days, focus on 3 roles you are going to pay attention to ... providing more time, energy, focus, emotions, and involvement.
How do you get started? It's easy. Tell your loved one that you are sorry you have been so busy at work and that you are committed to being a better husband, wife, father, mother, or whatever role you want to focus on. Ask them to forgive you. Then ask your loved one to pick an activity they would like to do just with you in the next few weeks and get it on your calendar. Follow through with your activity no matter what. Don't you dare conduct business while you are with them. That would send yet another message that your business is more important than they are. Put your cell phone or Blackberry away or on silent and truly be present with that person. Spend the time focused on them, getting to know them better and truly listening to what they have to say.
Having a business is no excuse for neglecting your important roles in life. After all, what will you want on your tombstone? That you were a successful business owner that paid a huge price or that you were a loving, engaged, and committed parent and spouse? I thought so. Here's to your success AND balance!
Daniel M. Murphy
The Growth Coach
Business Coaching Franchise System