Stop tripping over each other

It is hard implementing change in a small organisation when everyone is a bit of a jack of all trades. Sometimes it is about getting the job done, but we often find ourselves doing the same thing simultaneously. It is inefficient and can wear people down.

I have this saying with my boss: "let's not trip over each other to get our work done". It is my way of politely telling him to stick to his knitting and not try and do my job.

The good thing is that my boss doesn't take offence, and he uses it as an opportunity to discuss how we can work better together. Fortunately, he is open to discussing these matters and taking on my recommendations. However, he is not always as good at letting things go, and so he has to be reminded to step back every so often.

I am making some progress with my boss. Today, he was receptive to the idea of me taking on a broader operational role. It would allow him to focus more on strategy and planning for the business, and I would focus on ensuring that operations become a well-oiled machine.

He made a substantial investment to bring me into the business, and now it is time for that investment to mature and benefit him and the business.