My good friend @Yaquesita, also known as @OLPC_Mexico in another life we share, sent me this article "A Good Mentor Will Tell It Like It Is". The required features in a mentor really highlighted the typical weaknesses in entrepreneurs that need to be addressed:
- "Most entrepreneurs have lots of ideas. Some can be put into practice easily, but others will be off-the-wall and need refinement to implement"
- "Entrepreneurs tend to be driven by the crisis of the moment. As such, it is easy to neglect the real priorities of growing the business"
- Entrepreneurs have a constant stream of ideas, but the resources available set the agenda
- Entrepreneurs need to expand their networks in order to efficiently access the best resources to address an issue
- Entrepreneurs tend to become so immersed in their business that they tend not to take the time to reflect and plan
Constant crisis and no time to reflect on the customer, business and revenue growth are two sides of the same problem. Good entrepreneurs always find time to think and plan. If you are unable to tell the difference between a real crisis and the problem of the moment, you should consider this simple rule:
If it does not affect the customer or cash flow, ignore it.
Leaders who focus on the correct issues and set proper priorities have many fewer employee issues, which is why I have omitted employees from the rule. However, employee morale and development should be the third priority.
