I have found that some responsibilites cannot be delegated to others when I’m serving in the role as CEO. I’m most successful as a leader when I’m highly focused on the things that only I can do within the organization. When I focus on the things listed below, I find my swimlane that best compliments what others do in the organization. So, here are eight responsibilities which must be performed by you, the Christian Business Owner and cannot be delegated to others.
Living out and enforcing culture
Culture is a combination of core values + standard operating principles + process. If your employees live out your core values and adhere to standard operating principles while following process, you’ll have a GREAT culture. Core values are what we value. Standard operating principles are how we living out those values. Process is how we implement both to add value to our customers.
When it comes to standard operating principles, examples are as follows:
- The truth is never the problem
- If you don’t know how, ask
- If you need something, ask
- You’re responsible for your words and actions, silence and inaction
Every company will have a different set of SOPs. But getting between 5-10 of them will help guide your employees on how to live out your core values.
Being the public ambassador for the organization
Representing your company or organization to the marketplace is one of your responsibilities. When the media calls, they want to talk to the CEO. When opposing counsel wants to investigate, they’ll often include the CEO. When investors come calling, they want to talk to the CEO. Your role as a public ambassador for the company is significant and important. Take it seriously. And if needed, engage a public relations firm to help you. Used correctly, it’s a fabulous opportunity to grow your customer base, define your brand and attract top talent from your competitors.
Representing the company to the Board of Directors
As a corporate officer, you represent the company to the Board of Directors. If you’re the owner and don’t have a Board of Directors, then form an Advisory Board with whom you meet in a regular basis. Having accountability to prepare and present how your company is doing to a group of trusted advisors, if not a fiduciary-based board, will make you a better leader in your own company.
Originating Vision
No one can set vision like the leader. You need to decide which hill is going to be conquored next and then explain why it matters. Setting vision is about 20% of this battle. Gaining real support and buy-in from your staff is the other 80%. The more radical the vision, the more persuading and explaining you’ll need to do. But vision starts with you.
Holding Senior Management Accountable
Ensuring senior managers do their job is important. But do so collaboratively. Help them grow in their leadership skills. Model good leadership so that they absorb how to lead. Support them to make most company decisions. Diffuse authority and accountability to them. Do one-on-one meetings with them at least every other week. Have them set the agenda for your time with them and then keep track of their activities and decisions. On an annual basis, have them tell you what their deliverables are for the coming year, then help them achieve those deliverables.
Risk Mitigation
The reason risk mitigation is on this list is because most mitigating decisions affect the entire organization, so those decisions need to be made by the CEO. It is my view that when a decision affects the entire organization, it needs to come from the CEO.
Developing new leaders
You will not be the leader forever. Some day, you will leave your company. Beyond making money, one of the gifts you can leave behind is others who are ready to step up and lead a company or organization. We’re in such dire need of good leaders. As CEO, you have a unique opportunity to develop leaders. Make it a point to do this.
Doing Spiritual Warefare on behalf of the business or organization
As a Christian Business Owner, you have a unique spiritual authority over your business which others in your company simply don’t have. God has entrusted to you the business you have, so you’re authority is an extension of His entrustment. Be sure that you are praying and acting in the spiritual realm on behalf of your company. The battle is real. Engage in spiritual warfare if you plan to represent Christ well in the marketplace.
Bill English, Publisher
Bible and Business
