The Humility Factor

The majority of business owners will laugh at the idea that the life of an entrepreneur is one of luxury, lesser hours and relaxation. The majority has spent countless hours slaving away and building their business with a great amount of blood, sweat and tears that has gone into it. Naturally this creates a strong emotional connection between the owner and the business itself. It goes without saying therefore that these company owners can easily be offended when a business analyst comes in and tell him/her where they went wrong in managing their company. This is sometime referred to as the humility factor.   

So what is it all about, and how should I, as the business owner, deal with it?  

Be Ready 

Very simply, be prepared to have your life’s work criticised and analysed from top to bottom. Always bear in mind that the whole idea of the exercise is to get some out of the box thinking into the company in order to add perspective that may just better the company. The criticism should therefore be viewed as constructive. Don’t take it personal.  

Stand your ground 

Humility doesn’t always imply to keep quiet and just sit there. Remember, business consultants aren’t gods. As much as they often would like to think differently, they don’t always have the right answers. The reality is that you know your business better than any other person, so ultimately you will know in your heart what will and what won’t work. If critique gets over the top, call a stop to it and stand your ground. This leads me to my next point… 

Debate 

The best solutions are often offered not by just one person, but by engaging in constructive debate and talks. Two heads are better than one. You usually hit the sweet spot when you and the consultant sit down, share ideas and come up with the best possible solution to your company’s needs.  

Have fun 

The last word of advice is to not take things so seriously. This is probably impossible for most - the idea that your life’s work should be handled casually. Most entrepreneurs started their business in the first place either out of passion for their sector or a longing to be free from the corporate life. Keep this in mind and have some fun and enjoyment out of the process.  

With the right attitude and frame of mind, welcoming your consultant into your business should be no problem at all. Soon you’ll find that the two of you get on like a house on fire!