As a small business owner, you’re no stranger to the multitude of challenges and decisions that define your daily operations – usually fire fighting amongst trying to stick your head above the parapet. Yet, there’s a crucial aspect of leadership that often goes unspoken: the need to confront uncomfortable questions about your business.
This is where expert advisors come into play. They force you to ask the questions you might be avoiding, and here’s why this is indispensable for your growth and success.
Breaking the comfort zone
Running a business often involves making decisions within your comfort zone. It’s human nature to shy away from uncertainties or potential negative outcomes. An expert advisor disrupts this pattern. They bring an external perspective, unburdened by the emotional and cognitive biases that you, as an insider, might hold. This impartial viewpoint is vital for uncovering blind spots that you might not see.
Uncovering hidden risks
Every business has its vulnerabilities, but these are not always apparent from the inside. Expert advisors, due to their experience, are skilled at identifying hidden risks and challenges that you may have overlooked. They ask probing questions about your strategies, financial health, market positioning, and operational efficiency. These questions, though uncomfortable, are necessary for pre-empting crises and steering your business away from potential pitfalls.
Encouraging strategic thinking
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and lose sight of the bigger picture. Expert advisors compel you to think strategically rather than tactically. They ask difficult questions about long-term goals, succession planning, and competitive advantage. This strategic interrogation forces you to evaluate and refine your vision for the future, ensuring that your business is not just surviving, but thriving.
Fostering accountability
An expert advisor holds a small business owner accountable. When you’re the sole decision-maker, it’s easy to justify or rationalise suboptimal decisions. It’s easy to justify not taking action or not challenging a strategy or KPI result. However, an expert advisor challenges these justifications and pushes you to provide evidence-based answers. This level of scrutiny ensures that you’re making well-informed decisions that are in the best interest of you and your business.
In conclusion, the role of an expert advisor in your small business cannot be overstated. They bring a fresh perspective, uncover hidden risks, encourage strategic thinking, and foster accountability. Embracing their challenging questions might be uncomfortable, but it is a crucial step towards ensuring the robust growth and sustainability of your business.
Who is asking you the questions you dare not ask yourself?
Maybe it’s time to get comfortable being uncomfortable. It’s where the magic happens.
