By someone who’s been there — and still working on it.
As a small business owner, it’s natural to care deeply about the work. Especially when you’re wearing multiple hats, leading a lean team, and every deliverable reflects on your brand. If you’re like me—a perfectionist with a passion for high standards—then handing over control can feel risky. But here’s the truth:
Hovering kills creativity. Over-checking drains morale. And control? It rarely scales.
Here’s a practical checklist I come back to when I need to zoom out and let my team do what they do best:
💬 Communication
- Let them finish before jumping in.
Even if I have ideas, I hold back. Listening builds trust. - Ask their take before sharing mine.
Leadership is about development, not just direction. - Slack less. Listen more.
Constant pings don’t build autonomy. Quiet builds confidence. - Let silence happen.
Every pause doesn’t need my input. Insight takes time.
🧠 Mindset
- Don’t rewrite just to make it sound like me.
Their voice matters more than my personal preferences. - Let them run with ideas I wouldn’t have chosen.
Innovation rarely comes from playing it safe—or staying in my lane. - Remember how it felt to be micromanaged.
Then choose to lead differently.
🧰 Execution
- Stop checking the doc 10 minutes after assigning it.
Trust the timeline. Don’t hover. - Stay out of their calendar unless they ask.
Respect their focus. Time is trust. - Only give feedback that truly moves the needle.
If it’s not impactful, it’s just nitpicking. - Don’t jump in unless they’re stuck.
Being informed doesn’t require being involved.
🙌 Culture
- Ask, “What do you need from me?”
Support over direction. Empowerment over control. - Don’t rescue too quickly.
Growth often happens in the discomfort zone. - Celebrate effort and ownership—not just results.
Progress is more sustainable than perfection. - Say “thank you” more than “here’s what to fix.”
Recognition fuels resilience.
The Bottom Line:
Leadership isn’t about doing it all. It’s about creating the space where others want to do their best work.
Still learning. Still catching myself. Still building better habits.
