One often overlooked aspect of business health and wealth is aligning personal and business goals. This revelation became crystal clear during a meeting with a client and their key managers. The insight we uncovered has the potential to revolutionize how we perceive the relationship between a business and its people.
Too often, I observe that business goals dominate, sidelining personal aspirations. This imbalance can lead to dissatisfaction and disengagement at both ownership and employee levels. Therefore, my approach prioritizes clarifying the personal goals of business owners first. Once these are clearly articulated, the business vision can be shaped to support those goals.
The Epiphany
During our session, one of the managers distilled a profound idea into one memorable sentence: “For me, if the business I work for doesn’t help get me where I want to go personally, I’m not sticking around too long!” This simple yet profound statement underscores a critical point—employees have personal goals, too. If these goals do not align with the business direction, the loyalty and commitment needed to drive the business forward may wane.
Taking a Small Business Forward
1. Align the Vision with Personal Goals: Business owners need to identify the direction they want their lives to go, particularly their family life, and then design their business to help achieve these personal aspirations.
2. Onboard with Clarity: New hires should be informed of both the business direction and goals to ensure they resonate with their personal ambitions. This transparency attracts employees whose goals align with the business and fosters a sense of shared purpose.
3. Empower Aligned Employees: When key employees share the vision of the business owners, the smartest thing the owners can do is step aside and let these empowered individuals drive the business forward. This paradigm shift from control to trust can unlock unprecedented growth and innovation.
By ensuring that the business serves the personal goals of both its owners and employees, you create a dynamic where every stakeholder is motivated to work towards a common objective. In doing so, the business not only thrives but also becomes a fulfilling environment for everyone involved.
