3 Approaches for Focusing on Business Growth Instead of Daily Operations

I collaborate with diverse leaders across various roles, industries, and life experiences. A prevalent finding is that many leaders invest more time working IN their organizations rather than ON them.

So, what exactly is the distinction between working IN the business and working ON it?

Working IN the business pertains to the operational responsibilities of leadership. This includes tasks like managing projects, adhering to deadlines, and addressing immediate challenges. These operational duties are crucial and form the backbone of daily operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

On the other hand, working ON the business revolves around the strategic facets of leadership. This involves defining the vision, direction, and objectives for your team or organization. It means mapping out the course you want others to navigate while establishing the necessary structures and systems to fulfill the organizational mission. Regardless of whether you are a CEO, a frontline supervisor, or occupy any position in between, it’s imperative to balance working IN the business with working ON it.

The Business of You

This concept isn’t just relevant to your organization; it pertains to you as a leader.

For many, ascending into leadership is a natural progression in their careers. You likely excelled as an individual contributor and eventually earned a promotion into a leadership position. This transition often leaves many leaders entrenched in daily operations without a clear plan or foresight for their development as leaders.

Since focusing on the business’s operational demands is often more comfortable than spending time on strategic growth, I propose three strategies to elevate your leadership approach beyond the day-to-day tasks.

Schedule Me Time

It might seem straightforward, but you need to carve out time specifically to focus ON your development as a leader. Allocate recurring time on your calendar dedicated to deep, reflective thinking about your leadership style and objectives. If you’re new to this concept, start small with just an hour; if you’re more experienced, consider blocking out a half-day or more—whatever suits your needs.

During this dedicated time, consider undertaking a values assessment. Are you genuinely living your values in a way that fulfills you? If not, identify adjustments that could realign you. Conduct a review of your calendar, both recent and upcoming. Are you investing your time in ways that resonate with your personal and professional goals? Reflect on these three questions: What should I start doing? What needs to stop? What should I continue doing?

Take a Class

When was the last time you enrolled in a leadership development course? Many leaders find themselves overburdened, relegating training to the bottom of their to-do lists. If this resonates with you, consider it a signal that you’re prioritizing operational tasks over your leadership growth.

There’s much to be learned from professions where ongoing education or recertification is required to maintain qualifications. Imagine if every manager in the corporate realm had a mandated number of professional development hours to remain in their role. Would it enhance leadership within organizations? Likely, yes! Even without any requirements, consider committing to your own professional growth. Engage with any training initiatives available through your employer, and if none are offered, explore numerous low-cost or free resources available online.

Connect with Others

Leadership can be daunting, and at times, it may feel isolating, especially when you’re entrenched in the operational aspects of your organization. During these moments, it’s easy to become blinded by your immediate surroundings, sticking to familiar routines and practices.

A valuable approach to working ON the business is to intentionally connect with fellow leaders outside your own organization. This can be accomplished through professional forums or online groups that gather a diverse range of leaders. One of the core purposes of such organizations is to foster professional growth. Being part of a peer group allows you to learn from seasoned leaders, share challenges and opportunities, support others, and gain a broader perspective on effective leadership practices beyond your immediate context.

What Will You Change?

Falling into the trap of working IN the business can be all too easy, making it essential to exert deliberate effort to shift your focus toward working ON it. Given the time constraints many of us encounter, this adjustment may seem daunting. There’s a saying that goes, “If you change nothing, nothing will change.” So, what adjustments will you make to allocate more time and effort toward working ON your business?