What Southgate’s mistakes can teach SME business owners about PERSPECTIVE ???

Running a small business is no simple task. Managing teams, worrying about cash flow, figuring out ways to win new business - it’s tough. It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind, losing sight of the bigger picture. ??

Speak with pretty much any England fan, and you’ll hear the same opinions in relation to England’s first two matches at Euro 2024: Foden shouldn’t play on the left, Alexander-Arnold is exposed in an unfamiliar midfield role, the team need to press from the front, and so on.

After last week’s 1-1 draw with Denmark, manager Gareth Southgate made some strange comments about his squad, not to mention some rash substitutions which flew in the face of the original line-up he chose.

This situation reminded me of the challenges small business owners face when they’re too caught up in the details to see the obvious solutions.

Southgate’s odd substitutions and post-match comments suggest he’s a bit too close to the situation, unable to see the wood for the trees. ??????

This is something I see a lot with my clients. They’re so involved in the day-to-day that they can’t always see the solutions that are staring them in the face. ??

That’s where someone like me comes in — a guide by their side to help them step back and gain some perspective. Think of it like having an expert analyst alongside you who can see what’s happening on the field and offer insights the manager might miss. Who can help you zoom out and zoom in, as required. ????

My role is to help you take a step back, review your strategies, and make sure you’re not missing out on obvious opportunities or falling into easily avoidable traps.

Here’s a few more steps you could take:

One of the most effective ways to gain this perspective is to create regular opportunities for reflection. It might sound simple, but setting aside time each week to review what’s working and what’s not can make a huge difference. ????

Another critical component is fostering open communication with your team. Your employees can offer valuable insights because they’re on the ground, dealing with the day-to-day operations. ????

In addition to internal feedback, seeking external perspectives is also beneficial. Engage with mentors, peers, or industry experts who can offer an outsider’s view of your business. ????

By regularly stepping back and reflecting, you can spot opportunities and threats that you might otherwise miss, ensuring your decisions are balanced and forward-looking. ????

Ultimately, success as a small business owner means running a thriving, well-managed business where you and your team are motivated and aligned. By keeping the bigger picture in mind and regularly reflecting on your strategies, you make more informed decisions that drive sustainable growth. ????

Your business benefits from a clear, strategic direction, much like how England’s football team would benefit if Southgate could listen to the experts and better utilise all his available talents!

What do you think? Will Southgate change things up ahead of tonight’s match?

Or will he stick to his original plan in the hope that it will click at some point?

Have you been in a similar position before in your business?

And if so, what steps did you take to change things?