One thing that can definitely be agreed on would be the fact that starting your own business is an exhilarating journey. You’re finally free from the constraints of working under someone else, ready to create your vision and, hopefully, avoid the pitfalls your previous bosses made. But here’s a crucial piece of advice: don’t let the excitement and the chase for profits cloud your judgment.
There’s usually this cycle of people quitting their jobs and becoming business owners because they don’t like how their boss treats them, but then they get employees, and then they’re doing just what their old boss did to them. It’s super hypocritical, right? You have to remember your employees are people, too, not just cogs in the wheel of your business machine. So, here’s what you need to know to break that vicious cycle.
The Trap of Power and Profit
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing profits over people. When the numbers start looking good, some new business owners might forget what it was like to be on the receiving end of poor treatment. You might recall being underpaid, overworked, or not having enough time with family. You don’t want to perpetuate that cycle.
One of the pitfalls to avoid is something called carewashing. Yes, you read that right, and yes, it’s really similar to greenwashing. It’s when businesses put on a show of caring for their employees but, in reality, do little to support them. It’s easy to post about employee appreciation on social media, but are you really practicing what you preach?
Are You Ready to Have Employees?
So here’s a good question: Do you want an employee so you have a reliable teammate that you see as an equal, or do you want one so you can dump a bunch of work on them and have a power trip? Be honest with yourself: Do you want to feel high and mighty, or do you want someone who is an actual team member for whom you will be there and vice versa?
Plus, there’s a bit of a process to go through if you want employees anyway; you’re going to have to do some paperwork, you might need to look into employee identification number application assistance if you’re struggling, you’ll need to provide benefits if they’re working fulltime, and of course, they need a living wage, and that usually means more than the minimum wage.
If you’re wanting to pay pennies and get as much work as possible (which is the farthest thing from ethical), then you’re better off going for a freelancer, volunteer, or intern.
You Have to Stay Grounded as a Leader
As your business grows, so will the responsibilities and the pressures. It’s essential to stay grounded and not let the power get to your head. Unfortunately, this might be the tougher part because so many people believe that barking orders and making demands are what makes you a leader. Leadership isn’t about exerting control; it’s about guiding and supporting your team. You need to remember why you started your business in the first place and the kind of leader you wanted to be.
