Entrepreneur or Leader

from the book "NO EXCUSE! in business"

- Do you know what the difference is between an entrepreneur and a leader? - I asked John.
- Of course. An entrepreneur owns his own business while a leader works in a high position in one of my companies. - he laughed at me loudly.
- So, you have good leaders, right? - I winked at John.
- Yes, the best ones. - he smiled with satisfaction on his face.
- And is it necessary for an entrepreneur to be a leader?
- Yes, of course. - John answered promptly.
- So the leader is a higher status, right?

I saw on John’s face that he disagrees with me, but he also hesitated to answer because he knew that I will prove him wrong.

- I always create a bold line between an entrepreneur and a leader. - I started to explain to John my philosophy - I believe that not all entrepreneurs are designed to survive. I think the economic crisis clearly presented how easy it is to lose our businesses and fortunes, and I believe one of the reason why companies went bankrupt is because their leaders had no real life experience to survive.
- How the hell is this related to my business? If you state that I will go down then I am out of here. - said John with anger as well as fear in his voice.
- No, no. Please do not misunderstand me. - I tried to calm him down.

I know from all my experiences that we all have fears when someone holds a mirror in front of us showing us our mistakes. And many of us feel that these are attacks and punches into our face. However presenting mistakes and giving additional ways to correct them is a great chance to improve our skills. I continued the chain of my thoughts.

- When I started my first company I was very motivated with it. It was my tool to gain whatever I want in my life. I worked ten-twelve hours per day in the beginning and I really enjoyed it. Not to mention that as you know success came very soon. After three years I had my dream cars, a Range Rover and a Lotus and I really felt that I am alive. I am sure you know as well how it feels to sign the first big contract, to receive the first million in your bank account or to be handled as a respected solution provider and a respected business owner in your community.

John sat there, his eyes twinkled like bright stars on the night sky. He clearly knew what this feeling was like.

- In those time I had a “lifestyle” business.
- “Lifestyle” business? But you are a revenue specialist and business process optimizer? - asked John with huge surprise in his voice.
- Yes, “lifestyle” business because for me the definition of “lifestyle” business is when you are working hard, gaining the results that you want and providing a good environment for yourself. You get almost everything you want. Ergo you are able to create a nice lifestyle for yourself.
- Ok, I understand what you mean.
- So this worked well in the first five years and I have to tell you that in those times I really enjoyed it. Then suddenly I realized that I am still working twelve hours every day in my office, sometimes even more. I also realized that my stress level has increased. I felt that I am working much more for the company than any other paid employee.
- I know this feeling. - smiled John.
- Yes, but this led me to the point that I hardly even saw my wife and I started to know my family only from pictures.

I stopped here for a moment because I felt that I needed to drink a little bit of water. My mouth started to dry out because as I was talking, I went through these periods emotionally again in my head.

- Many people said that successful people work more, but in my opinion this is bullshit. Successful people know something better, which I never did well before, but I am doing it now day by day.
- What? - inquired John very intensively.
- The art of delegation.
- But we all delegate in our business...
- But how? Are you satisfied with its results? - I asked him back.

And boom! John was shocked, because he immediately understood that without the adequate results there should be some problem. A problem for which he is also responsible.

- You know in the old times the man worked hard, he sent the money home and the family was happy. I think it is acceptable, specially when you have a very young child. However I wanted to be happy too. I wanted to gain things that I can enjoy too.
- And your family?
- Look, when you work hard, your family enjoys the result, however when you feel tired and overloaded then something is clearly wrong. I think when you work hard, your family is happy and if you are happy too then your life is on the right track. Working for others without enjoying your life is slavery. It does not help your life.

John nodded his head very intensively. He knew that I know that we works his ass out for his family and sometimes he can not go home before midnight.

- So I realized that I gave up my lifestyle business and I converted myself into an entrepreneur. Which by definition an entrepreneur is someone who is fighting with his competitors for his own survival. And this is where his challenges of life has been converted into daily problems, has increased his stress level and the endless business hours. In the meantime he is fighting for new income sources while he knows his family only by photos. All this causes a lot of stress and in most cases an early burn out.
- You are speaking from my heart. - said John and he asked for another drink from the waiter.
- Yeah, but I did not start business for this. I never wanted to fight for my own survival.
- None of us did...

Where are our drinks? Where are our drinks? Probably this was on John’s mind, because he was involved in this entrepreneur feeling very deeply.

- On the other hand if I would describe a real visionary or a leader I would say they are very happy people with a lot of free time. They are able to focus on their hobbies as well, while they are earning incredible amounts of money and of course they can spend valuable time with their family.
- That is what I want. - John agreed with me promptly.
- What I realized John, is that successful people are able to delegate the biggest part of the tasks. They are able to approach people who are ready to help them to realize their aims. And this is when you will become a real leader and/or a business owner.
- True.
- Because you as an owner you have the vision for your company. You had the guts to start to accomplish your aim. Therefore you have to lead your employees and you have to ensure them your knowledge and guidance to get the jobs done. You know all successful people are enjoying their businesses, they are happy because they are able to focus on their own aims and visions. And this is the key, to develop a team who is ready to make your delegated visions come true.
- Do you think it is easy? Where the hell are these super human employees grow? - asked John sarcastically.
- Well my friend, they are growing in your garden. Because it is all upon you. No one will find out your thoughts. You have to be there to let them know the right way and to guide them to the how.

Big silence covered us, which was the silence of realization. I wanted to break this silence fast before it turned into lethargy.

- Look let me draw you something related to problems.

So I picked up one of the tea-cloth, I got my pen out and I started to draw for John.

Paperback:  229 pages
Publisher:   Lulu
ISBN:  978-1-300-52746-6
Language:  English

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