The Get-A-Way

It’s the yearly attempt to remove myself from day-to-day operations of the shop. Nervous? Sure, but without preparing I sure as heck would feel a lot worse. Do you ever feel that there is never a good time to leave your operation in the hands of your staff? Even though we all know that to never “sharpen the saw” is far more damaging than what occurrences may happen in our absence. How do you prepare for your “temporary exit strategy”?

Previously, I would burden myself with the notion that I could never take a few well deserved days off because when I left, there went the ship. I was convinced that the business would be rudderless; just a hull meandering around in the seas with no compass and therefore, no direction. The feeling was so polarizing that to me, it wasn’t worth going through the experience. And if I did fight through it, there was no real enjoyment which is worse than not going at all. Man, would I become one miserable SOB. Totally unfair to my family, let alone myself.

Now, as I mature a little and shed some of the weight of owning and operating a small business to my staff, things are a lot easier. Having procedures in place and training the staff on those practices along with giving them the responsibility of making my paycheck, has made the difference.

Are you grooming good stewards for your get-a-ways? Do you ask your staff to “make your paycheck”? having a plan in place should always be part of your vacation plans.

To the whole of your business,

Greg