I’m a terrible manager. Should I pass the reins to someone else?

Dear Aunty B,

I have just been told in a performance management interview that I am a very poor manager.

I was told by this delightful young woman in her 30s that it was time I went off and did something else. She did it in such a charming way I didn’t fully take it in until the interview was over. And I was doing the performance review on her, as believe it or not, I own the business! The problem is I think she is right. I have never been good at managing and I don’t particularly enjoy it.

Can I learn to be a better manager or should I do what the charming lass suggested and find something else to do?

Lenny,
NZ

Dear Lenny,

Oh, you should so go. If only businesses across Australia were full of smart 30-year-olds with such good advice. And if only the country was full of people like you willing to listen!

I don’t know the size of your business but businesses outgrow their owners. And there is nothing sadder than a manager who cannot see they are doing more harm than good because they cannot manage a more complex organisation.

What you need to understand is this: entrepreneurs often don’t end up managing larger organisations because they cannot get the balance right between focusing on the detail and developing big picture strategy. Some either micromanage, while others have no idea what’s really going on under the bonnet. Managing a larger organsiation means doing about 10 things right at once, every day. And it runs the gamut from dealing with shareholders to inspiring staff, working on strategy and networking with partners. Oh, and then there’s cashflow and budgets and… Yeah, your eyes just glazed over.

You know something? You have been thinking about another great idea for awhile now. Go off and start that. And make sure you promote that young woman. She’s your future.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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