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In a recent conversation with an esteemed peer, Karen Mrkonjic, founder of Protem Consulting, she highlighted a crucial insight: while business owners often excel in many aspects of their operations, the need to seek assistance in creating efficient processes to strengthen the business foundation isn’t always recognized—until it becomes imperative. As she put it “It’s not important enough until it is”. 

In the dynamic world of business, the line between success and failure often hinges on internal organization and workflow efficiency. Being experts in other areas, leaders may not recognize the importance while everything is going okay. Or they may deprioritize this work and not seek professional assistance because they fear judgement that it’s a sign of weakness, think they should do it alone, or don’t know who to ask for help. This hesitation to act can lead to organizational stagnation and inefficiency.

Fear of Judgement and Asking for Help

Some business leaders may feel compelled to maintain an image of infallibility, fearing that seeking external assistance could harm their reputation. They’ve also likely gotten where they are by blazing trails and taking risks. They had to figure things out and do it on their own through much of their journey to the top, and that’s a difficult mindset to break. However, it’s essential to recognize that no individual possesses expertise in all facets of running a business. Nor do they have the time to do so.

Acknowledging knowledge gaps and actively seeking expert guidance reflects strength of character. Being able to hire complementary skills that free you up to soar even higher and propel you further is a sign of success. 

Don’t Recognize The Need Until There’s a Problem

Very successful people have incredible knowledge, insight into, and enthusiasm for their specialties. Developing organizational structure and internal processes are often not learned in school as part of a professional discipline. For example, you go to school to learn how to be a doctor, not how to run a clinic. Even in business curriculums, these skills usually aren’t covered comprehensively, leaving leaders to navigate through trial and error. The value of proper workflow, documentation, and organization is frequently underestimated and put on the back burner until something happens that makes it important (it’s not going to be something good). At that point, they are scrambling to repair instead of proactively planning for growth and a rapidly changing future.

Who to ask? Embrace Organizational Specialists

Organizational and workflow specialists bring a wealth of expertise to the table. They provide objective analysis, identify bottlenecks, and implement best practices tailored to a business’s unique needs. Embracing their help is a strategic decision that reflects a leader’s commitment to excellence.

By leveraging the skills of organizational specialists, businesses can:

1. Enhance Efficiency: Streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and optimize resource allocation.
2. Improve Employee Morale: Foster a positive work environment where roles are clear and employees feel supported.
3. Drive Innovation: Create a culture that encourages creativity and continuous improvement.
4. Achieve Long-Term Goals: Build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success.

The willingness to seek organizational help is not a weakness but a strength—a reflection of a leader’s integrity, resilience, and commitment to excellence. By recognizing the value and embracing the expertise of organizational specialists, executives and entrepreneurs can transform their businesses, fostering efficiency, innovation, and long-term success.

Remember, it’s not about doing it alone; it’s about doing it right.

Recognizing the need for organization/processes and taking decisive steps like asking for help to do it before there is an issue reflects the strength of character. It demonstrates a commitment to learning, adapting, and evolving – traits crucial for sustained success in the long run.

I’m always intrigued by the journeys of business leaders—the compromises they make, the lessons they learn, and the resilience they display. Learning about Karen’s work in the mining industry was particularly inspiring. She was chosen not as a miner but as an Executive Assistant to support the technical team on-site, illustrating her company’s forward-thinking and proactive approach. They recognized the value of providing their team with the right support and tools, exemplifying how thoughtful leadership can drive success.

 

Organize. Optimize. Profit.
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