When you are the one at risk.
WHY OWNERS ARE PARTICULARLY EXPOSED
No fixed hours No manager setting limits Financial responsibility Isolation Difficulty separating the business from themselves
WHAT THAT PRODUCES
Working continuously No genuine time away Anxiety that does not stop Health neglected
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Working hours, and an end to the day.
WHY
Without them, work occupies everything.
WHAT TO PROTECT
Sleep Time away from the business Relationships outside work Physical health
WHY SLEEP FIRST
Business decisions depend on judgement, and judgement depends on rest.
WHAT TO RECOGNISE
That working longer while exhausted produces worse decisions, not more output.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That the business can function without you for a period.
WHY IT IS A BUSINESS MATTER
Dependence on one person is a risk to the business as well as to that person.
WHAT TO BUILD
Capability in others, deliberately.
WHAT TO ADDRESS ABOUT ISOLATION
That owners have nobody to discuss difficulties with.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Contact with others in similar positions.
WHY
It is where perspective and practical help come from.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN YOURSELF
Constant tiredness Irritability Difficulty concentrating Loss of interest Physical symptoms Increasing reliance on anything to cope
WHAT TO DO
Take it seriously, and seek help.
WHY IT DESERVES STATING
Owners consistently ignore in themselves what they would address in staff.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Regular health attention.
