I've heard this question over and over again, "How do I duplicate myself as an owner or leader in an organization?...I need people just like me with my knowledge, dedication and drive!" And I believe this is said with the best intentions but let's dig into this a little-
If you are a business owner or a leader in an organization, especially having experienced or are experiencing overwhelming growth, the above idea most likely resonates with you. The intentions are good but there's a major point being missed in this thought process - YOU CAN'T
That's right, you can't duplicate yourself! First, no 2 people are the same to begin with. We are all created with different personalities, skill sets, life experiences and gifts. Second, not one other person knows and understands the blood, sweat and tears you've put into your business or obtaining your leadership position in the organization you work for. Only you know that, and that is a part of what is at the core of what makes you the owner or the leader.
Let's go into what you can do and look at how you can leverage certain personalities, skill sets and gifts in others to have a strong and healthy business or organization-
1) Stop - Yes, stop and analyze your short term and long term needs and goals daily and make sure you are working toward them one step at a time. John Maxwell is diligent at taking time DAILY for what he calls the rule of 5. Here they are - Read, Think, File, Ask Questions and Write. I'm not saying that this is the right formula for everyone. I am saying this is a great model to build off of to create or reestablish a much needed discipline that will help bring clarity in decision making and true needs.
2) Ideal Team Member - Write down the qualities of the ideal team member for whatever position you need to fill or will be needing to fill. Doing this in advance puts a great filter in place when you are ready to hire and helps to prevent time and energy spent figuring this out along the way as well as hiring the wrong person.
3) Let Go - When you have the right person/s where you need them, make sure to let go of something you have ownership over in your business or organization and let them own that portion of it. An important step in this process which is often overlooked though, is proper training and consistent communication (speaking from experience). So make sure to train them properly letting them know you have an open-door policy for them to come to you at anytime if they need help or don't understand something.
When the above ideas are applied, success and a healthy culture will be born and/or cultivated. So... back to the whole duplicating myself and ownership piece - I believe the word is EMPOWERMENT rather than ownership. Empower key people to do what they do best and watch your business or organization as well as them as an individual grow and thrive!
Team assessment, team building and growth are some of things I focus on in helping my clients achieve their goals and create the culture they desire. Contact me for more information by clicking on the button below. I would love the opportunity to help!