Give a little; take a little; share a little.
It is a delicate balance to give and not undervalue yourself, to take and not appear greedy, and to share without over-sharing. It is especially important for the small business owner to keep their eye on the ball and the business activities, while maintaining a big picture view of the overall business plan and development.
Workshops can help, a business coach is a great idea and discussion with colleagues is a must. Your own employees have so much to contribute to a different and sometimes refreshing perspective that can identify need for action or change. Have at least one mentor that you respect and consider mentoring someone less experienced who is reaching out to you.
We are all familiar with the first line of this 1624 poem by John Donne, “No Man is an Island”. Here’s the rest:
No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend’s
Or of thine own were:
Any man’s death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.