"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Lao Tzu
For SME owners and senior leaders, reflection is an ongoing process. It involves assessing where the business stands, anticipating what’s ahead, and identifying the challenges that come with it. However, recognising those challenges is just the first step, the real work lies in finding the right solutions to tackle them.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from over 30 years of leading businesses, from Board Director to CEO and business partner, it’s that problems rarely just go away. The key is to take action as soon as possible.
Getting started – One small step at a time
I love the above quote from Lao Tzu. I’ve used it in so many one-to-one coaching sessions. You might have ambitious plans for your business, whether that’s expansion, new hires, or process improvements, but if you’re stuck in ‘planning mode’ without action, nothing will change.
Don’t overthink it. What’s the first, simplest step you can take? Do you need to collaborate with others? Take action. Momentum fuels motivation and sharing challenges with others creates accountability
Oh, and when you’ve done it, give yourself some credit. You’ve taken the first step, and that’s a win.
Having the difficult conversations
“When we avoid difficult conversations, we trade short-term discomfort for long-term dysfunction.”
If something really matters, we owe it to ourselves, our team, and our business to address it. One of my previous CEO’s used to say, ‘grasp the nettle early’. In my experience, it’s often not as bad as you think.
Tackling tough conversations head-on can make all the difference in how your team operates. When trust and openness are part of your company culture, difficult conversations become easier and more productive. If there’s something you need to address, approach it with a curious mindset, be clear by giving specific evidence and use active listening. Finally confirm the next steps and be aware that might include change for you too!
Will it be uncomfortable? Probably. Will it be worth it? Definitely. As leaders, our job is to create an environment where people feel safe having honest conversations. And you never know, you might learn something valuable about yourself in the process.
At 360 Growth Partners, we actively practise this, and we’re still learning every day. Give it a go.
Leading through business and personal challenges
Let’s be honest, being a business owner, founder, or senior leader isn’t just about navigating professional challenges. It’s deeply personal. It can be lonely at the top, and the pressure to have all the answers can feel relentless.
I know this first-hand. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that you don’t have to do it all yourself. Nobody has all the answers, and the best leaders have the humility to admit they need help. Delegate effectively to those around you and surround yourself with the right people, whether that’s trusted advisors, mentors, or a peer network of fellow business owners who understand the journey.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to pause when needed. It’s about finding the right balance between driving forward and knowing when to step back to reflect and reset.
The 360 Approach – Supporting you every step of the way
At 360 Growth Partners, we know that overcoming business challenges is part of being a leader but it doesn’t have to be a solo endeavour.
If any of this resonates with you, let’s talk! Whether you need guidance on a specific challenge or a broader strategy to unlock your next phase of growth, we’re here to help.
So, what’s your first step?