So you have reached a stage where you are your own boss- basically there’s no one to yell at you when the going gets tough. Maybe you are a freelancer or an entrepreneur in your own right. It’s wonderful that you have passion and the courage to follow your heart.
So here’s to you- some essential guidelines to being the best boss you ever know.
Be organised and specific- in your Thoughts/Words/Deeds
Whatever you think, speak and do- make sure you are structured and specific. See to it that your administration works are in order, your thoughts are focused on the needs on the company and your words are in conjunction with the dream for your company. Eg “ I have to increase my profits by 10%” is a better thought than “ I need to increase my profits”.
Learn to say ‘NO’
You can’t be everything to everyone- including yourself. Learn to draw lines and have fixed time for your work. If you have decided to work 8 hours a day/5 days a week, stick to it. Don’t let the mind or people fool you to working any more or less.
Outsource
Knowing your limitations will save you a great deal of anxiety. Not all of us are blessed with creative abilities, business acumen and marketing skills. Know when to outsource your work. Outsourcing will save you time and energy which can be used to expand other important areas of your business.
Never procrastinate or miss an opportunity
Procrastination is no stranger even to the best of us. Whatever can be done today- do it today itself. Never miss out on an opportunity, however small, as you never know where that pathway may lead.eg: You get a call for a small order, which doesn’t interest you. Go for it all the same it may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Make reading a habit
Books on leadership will inspire and motivate you. Their authors have been there and done that and guide you with their wit, experience and knowledge. Some great books on leadership are ‘The 7 habits of highly effective people’ by Steven Covey, ‘Tribes’ by Seth Godi, and ‘Delivering Happiness’ by Tony Hsieh.
And yes, give yourself a break too. Run away on weekends. Go for that spa massage. Give yourself that salary hike. Take an unexpected lunch break and surprise your family or friends. After all – you are the boss- and a pretty damn good one!