How We Split the Work
Summary
- It's crucial to have clear roles in a business partnership; for Alex and me, Alex handles marketing, and I handle everything else.
- It's important to let people figure things out on their own to build their confidence and capability, even if they don't know everything from the start.
- Overhelping a partner might seem supportive but can actually undermine their confidence, especially in a business setting.
- I appreciate that Alex has always encouraged and trusted me to handle my responsibilities without interfering.
- Role clarity is often underestimated, but it's one of the first things I address when working with companies.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing clear roles within your business or partnership. This means defining who does what, just like how Alex handles marketing, and I manage everything else. Even if you’re unsure of every detail, the experience will build your confidence and capability. Start by making a list of main tasks and assigning responsibility for each.
A good way of doing this is to avoid overhelping your partner. Allow them to figure things out on their own to enhance their self-assurance. Trust that they have the skills necessary, even when they’re learning. Constant assistance can unintentionally suggest you don't believe in their ability.
A great way to apply this is by regularly reassuring your partner of their capabilities. Give them space to work out problems independently, while also offering encouragement. This approach reinforces their confidence and helps them grow alongside the business.
Role clarity is a high-value, low-cost initiative. It simply takes time and careful communication. Sit down with your partner or team and discuss everyone’s strengths and interests. This conversation can lead to defined roles that align with each person’s skills.
I would also recommend revisiting these roles periodically to make sure they still fit as the business evolves. Adjust roles when necessary to keep everyone engaged and effective. Through well-defined roles, everyone can contribute confidently and feel valued.
Full Transcript
the biggest thing that was instilled in me was making sure that Alex and I had Clarity on our roles Alex is marketing Ila is everything else did Ila know how to do everything else absolutely not I remember a mentor saying that he was like do not help Lea she can figure this out you trying to help her when neither of you know how to do this is only showing her that you don't think she can do it I see so many business owners now especially married and the husband doesn't realize that he's undermining the wife by overly inserting himself to help her I'm so glad that Alex has literally never done that to me he has only ever supported and encouraged me and said you can do this that was a key piece that I think is so underestimated one of the first things I do with companies is I help clarify their roles they don't know how important it is
