Nobody else can do it but me

It’s a phrase I hear often from business owners and it’s completely understandable (and that was definitely me in a past life!). 
 
This mindset usually stems from a few places: a desire for control, a commitment to high standards or a belief that no one else in the business has the skills or knowledge to take over. But while it may feel necessary this approach can hold your business back. 
 
When one person is doing everything growth hits a ceiling. The team misses opportunities to step up and the business becomes dependent on a single person to keep moving forward. Burnout can creep in. The CEO or MD is working long hours, pulled in every direction and the business starts to stagnate. 
 
And the impact isn’t just operational. According to MYOB’s 2024 Business Monitor, 56% of Australian small business owners experience heightened levels of depression and anxiety due to work pressures. Poor mental health is costing Australian businesses up to $12 billion annually in lost productivity, sick leave and reduced performance. 
 
The challenge is especially common in businesses with 5–12 employees. The structure is flat, resources are tight and the owner can still have visibility across every area if they choose to. But that visibility can easily become control and control can become a bottleneck. 
 
Here’s how to start shifting gears: 
 
▶️ Get clear on your medium and long term goals. What does success look like for the business? 
▶️ Get clear on your personal goals. What kind of role do you want to play in the business? What kind of work-life balance do you want? 
▶️ Build a plan to get there. Think restructuring, delegating or investing in team development. 
 
It sounds simple—but change is hard. Many small businesses struggle to implement these shifts because they require trust and a willingness to let go. 
 
You might have to compromise. 
Tasks you delegate may not be done exactly the way you would do them. 
You might take a step back before you go forward. 
It might be really difficult 
But it might also be the best decision you ever make. 
 
Letting go isn’t about giving up control, it is about creating space for your business to grow and space for you to lead with clarity not exhaustion. 
 
If you are looking to grow (or step back) maybe I can help? Let me know if you would like to connect.