Identifying and Overcoming Life’s 4 Saboteurs for a Mid-Year Reset

As we gather for our roundtable today, we find ourselves at a significant juncture—whether we’re entering the second half of the calendar year, the first week of a new financial year, or simply realising that 190 days of 2024 have already passed. For many of us, this marks an achievement, a testament to our perseverance. However, some of us may feel stuck, as if we’re still living in 2023 or even as far back as 2020, using the pandemic as a reason for not moving forward. This is where a “reset” becomes relevant and crucial—especially for leaders and business owners.

Being a leader or a business owner demands courage. It’s a challenging path; it requires significant effort, energy, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. Being part of someone else’s team is much easier, where the pressure isn’t as intense. But as a leader, you must constantly evaluate whether you’re on track, understand what hasn’t gone according to plan, and, most importantly, decide what actions to take next. Leadership is about leading, and if you’re still operating as the best electrician, plumber, or carpenter, you’re only limiting your potential. Your identity as a leader is your glass ceiling.

The Saboteurs of Success

In the journey of leadership, four primary saboteurs often emerge, hindering our ability to reset and move forward effectively:

1. Comfort in Familiar Roles
   • When you continue to identify yourself solely by your trade (e.g., the best electrician or carpenter), you limit your growth as a business leader. This comfort zone acts as a glass ceiling, preventing you from elevating your identity and making decisions based on data rather than gut feeling.
2. Fear of Decision-Making
   • Business is entirely of decisions, and not making a decision is a decision. Fear of making the wrong choice can paralyse progress. Remember, whether you’re running a multimillion-dollar business or a small operation, you’re always just one decision away from either success or failure.
3. Neglecting Data-Driven Decisions
   • Decisions made on gut feeling alone are risky. To avoid the pitfalls of emotional decision-making, you must rely on data. Understanding your key business metrics and making decisions based on this data will lead to more consistent and successful outcomes.
4. Lack of Planning and Reflection
   • Many business owners need to take the time to reflect and plan for the future. With regular check-ins on your progress and a clear roadmap (like our Flight Plan), staying on course is more accessible. Planning sessions every six months, like our Flight Planning Intensives, are crucial for steering your business in the right direction.

How to Reset and Move Forward

As we approach the year’s second half, it’s time to reset and refocus. Here’s how you can overcome these saboteurs and ensure your business continues to thrive:

1. Elevate Your Identity as a Leader
   • Shift your identity from being the best at your trade to being the best business owner. This means making decisions based on data, focusing on strategic growth, and empowering your team to take on more responsibility.
2. Embrace Decision-Making
   • Acknowledge that every decision counts. Instead of fearing the consequences, focus on making informed decisions. Use your key business metrics to guide your choices, and don’t shy away from the tough calls.
3. Commit to Data-Driven Leadership
   • Regularly update and review your key numbers dashboard. Understand the critical metrics like total employment cost versus income ratio, billable versus non-billable hours, and other key performance indicators. These numbers clearly show your business health and guide your actions.
4. Plan, Review, and Reset
   • Use our Flight Planning Intensives to set a clear path for the next 12 months. These sessions help you define your goals, allocate resources effectively, and keep your business on track. If you still need to, ensure you’re booked for the upcoming planning sessions in July or August.

Final Thoughts

As we enter the year’s second half, remember that the game starts anew. Whether facing tighter economic environments or striving to improve your business, now is the time to reset, refocus, and drive your business forward. The challenges ahead require clarity, courage, and a commitment to making better decisions.

Ready to overcome your business’s saboteurs and take the next step forward? Book a call with us today to discuss how we can support you in resetting and achieving your goals for the rest of the year. Click here to schedule your call.

By addressing these four saboteurs and committing to a proactive reset, you’ll be well on your way to confidently leading your business and succeeding in the months ahead.