The Entrepreneurial Paradox – Why Entrepreneurs Make The Toughest Bosses (Even As A Solopreneur)
Updated: Dec 11, 2023
Written by: Sierra Melcher, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In the bustling world of business, entrepreneurs are often celebrated as visionaries, risk-takers, and trailblazers. They're hailed for their relentless pursuit of success, their ability to innovate, and their unwavering commitment to turning dreams into reality. However, behind the glamour and the success stories lies a paradox – entrepreneurs, despite their incredible drive and ambition, can sometimes be the toughest bosses to work for, even as solopreneurs when you are the boss of you.
Why is this the case? The answer lies in the very essence of entrepreneurship itself. Entrepreneurs are wired to expect more from themselves, and by extension, from everyone around them. Their insatiable drive to excel and their willingness to push boundaries can inadvertently create a challenging work environment, whether as a solo operator or managing a team.
Lifting the veil
Many entrepreneurs left the corporate world or traditional employment to carve their own path. Culturally we romanticize being an entrepreneur: You get to set your own hours, you don't have anybody telling you what to do, and all the money goes to you.
Anyone who has ever tried to run a business knows how quickly these Illusions are shattered.
Having opened run and sold several companies I am undoubtedly an entrepreneur.
I founded the first bilingual yoga studio in Laureles, Medellin, Colombia (recently voted the coolest city in the world).
After selling Flying Tree Yoga I opened a women’s coaching business focusing on the mental and spiritual empowerment of women.
That morphed into the need for more and thus the founding of Red Thread Publishing, an all-female publishing company with a mission to bring previously-silenced voices to the forefront.
We now have two imprints, one exclusively for women and Red Falcon Press for folx who do not identify as female.
Unless you make it a priority as an entrepreneur, you will be the absolute worst boss you've ever had
There is simply too much to manage, especially on one's own: sales, delivery, marketing, Finance, and so on.
Here's an equation for you: when you love your work and you are an entrepreneur and maybe have a slight workaholic tendency and certainly over-deliver with perfectionist inclinations that dream of Entrepreneurship it's a total fallacy.
Moreover, the very nature of entrepreneurship demands an incredible amount of dedication and commitment. Entrepreneurs pour their heart and soul into their ventures, often to the point of overworking themselves. This work ethic can inadvertently backfire: you either overwork yourself — or drive your team crazy.
In addition to their own high expectations and tireless work ethic, entrepreneurs often face the pressure of uncertain outcomes.
Perfectionism is common among entrepreneurs, but in this space, it can become toxic and detrimental. I wrote an entire book for my author community that applies well to entrepreneurs as well Typo: the Art of Imperfection essentially granting us permission to do it badly as we create our vision.
While I run a publishing company, I am both an entrepreneur and our authors work with us to learn to become AuthorPrenuers: building and growing their own business, because as we always remind them, royalties don’t pay the bills. We need strategies & systems that do. We support our authors in writing, publishing, and impact, which is what we call marketing and business support.
Prevailing advice is a bit trite and lacking.
Embrace a Culture of Work-Life Balance
Set Realistic Expectations
Delegate and Empower
Prioritize Communication and Feedback
Invest in Self-Care and Well-being
While all these are true, it is not clear or applicable. However, I have found a few strategies & practices that have helped me. (Read the article)
Tip Number One: Build your systems well. When your system works well, it can work without you
Tip Number Two: Schedule the time off way in advance and build all your workflows, with that in mind,
Tip Number Three: Schedule a weekly executive meeting with yourself. (read my article to learn how) Take the time to acknowledge the progress you've made and focus on the next steps.
These practices shifted my attention and awareness away from all that we have yet to accomplish to see how much we have done and how many people we have helped. That simple mindset shift has changed how when and where I show up in my business. In less than three years we have accomplished an astonishing amount with a tiny team. We are providing great quality and professional products to a growing number of authors. We have built a reputation; that did not happen by accident.
My goal for next year is to do half of what I've done this year
That is not what you usually hear at this time. People want to do more they want to go further, they want to earn more, they want to hit higher numbers. But it is possible because of the systems I have put in place. This is how I can be a better boss to myself & my small team.
If you are running a business how would you rank yourself? Best boss or Worst boss?
I chose to be a great boss: offering a great vacation package, prioritizing our systems development, scheduling only the essential meetings, and supporting my team to be successful by encouraging their strengths.
How can you be a better boss next year, if even only to yourself?
Let me know how it goes – I really hope to hear from you. Click here to send me an email with your experience Subject line: Worst Boss Article
Sierra Melcher, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Best-selling author, international speaker & educator, Sierra Melcher is founder of Red Thread Publishing LLC. She leads an all-female publishing company, with a mission to support 10,000 women to become successful published authors & thought-leaders. Offering world-class coaching & courses that focus on community, collaboration, and a uniquely feminine approach at every stage of the author process. Sierra has a Master’s degree in education, has spoken & taught around the world. Originally from the United States, Sierra lives in Medellin, Colombia with her young daughter.
