Building a successful business requires having the right support staff in place. Without the right people in place, you risk failing quickly.  Three integral roles need to be filled to set up a company for success: 

• The Technician
• The Manager
• The Entrepreneur

The Technician

The technician is the doer of the company. They represent the present and are focused on the day-to-day, practical operations. This is often the most visible person in the business. They build websites, manufacture products, deliver services, and handle all the hands-on work. Good technicians have practical skills and enjoy crossing items off a to-do list. They are detail-oriented, organized, and like routine. The technician keeps the trains running on time.

The Manager

Complementing the technician is the manager. The manager looks at past performance and analyzes systems to fix issues and improve processes for the future. They oversee planning, strategy, and business development. The manager constantly evaluates what worked and what didn’t and makes adjustments. They analyze metrics and performance to optimize operations. The manager helps establish efficient systems and procedures to facilitate scaling. Their analytical skills and critical eye keep things running smoothly.  

Think of the Manager as the Tactician..the person who manages the day-to-day by ensuring systems are in place to support the business.  They work closely with the technicians to get feedback on what works and what doesn’t. They are always looking for ways to improve the company’s efficiency, resiliency, and productivity.  They don’t necessarily manage the people doing the work; they manage the systems the people use to do their work.  It’s a subtle difference that differentiates well-run companies from those that fail.  

The Entrepreneur

Looking towards the future is the entrepreneur. The entrepreneur is the innovator and visionary of the company. They always brainstorm new ideas, considering improving branding, expanding offerings, and boosting growth. The entrepreneur’s innovative thinking and creativity keep the company from becoming stagnant. They represent new opportunities and the potential to take things to the next level. Their leadership provides strategic direction to guide future expansion.

Ideally, these three roles are filled by people with complementary skill sets. It is challenging for one person to play all three effectively. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses and bringing on people who fill gaps is key. Building a balanced executive team establishes a strong foundation for success and growth. It also allows each person to focus on what they do best rather than spread themselves thin trying to operate in areas outside their wheelhouse.

As you build your staff, be honest about assessing your skills and which role you are best suited for over the long term. Resist the temptation to try doing everything yourself because it is your company. Hiring the right people for the technician and manager roles will give you more time for high-level strategy and innovation as an entrepreneur. You can avoid common pitfalls with the right team and set your company up for sustainable success.

Let me know if you would like help further developing your support staff and optimizing these integral roles as you scale your business. I can guide you on strengthening your team and strategies to avoid the frustrations caused by e-myths. 

Book a complimentary call to learn more.