When we start a business, we know we’re an owner and a founder and whatever title represents the technical skillset we bring to the table that brings value to our customer. We rarely, if ever, consider this other title: steward.
A steward is someone who is a caretaker of something. Stewards look out for the best interest of whatever they’re responsible for. They look ahead and around, take stock of the current climate internally and externally. They always have one eye on the horizon and understand that making decisions for the business is one of their most critical functions. Because of their view, they are able to ask one of the most important questions: what is best for this business today?
If you and your business are one entity, you are not currently capable of acting as a steward for your business. Your own identity and well-being are tied up in how the business runs, which means you can’t get the space from it to be able to ask that question.
What’s the big deal? you may ask. Maybe right now, it isn’t a big deal. Perhaps there’s a certain energy that comes from being so closely tied in with your business. However, as the business grows and requires more of you, you will not be able to separate its needs from your own, which becomes very taxing and impossible to sustain in a healthy way. Both you and the business suffer where this is the case.
How do you become a good steward of your business? First, understand the business identity separate from your own. Every business exists for a reason, and you need to know why your business exists separate from your own passions and desires.
Second, understand what the business exists to accomplish and who it exists to serve.
Activity: Set the timer for 5 minutes. Write out your own definition for the word “steward.” How might you put this into practice in your business?