Much of the appeal of working for yourself and being your own boss is escaping the annoying, incompetent and/or bullying bosses that make your life a misery. But when you leave employment to run your own show it’s not just those bosses that you leave behind.
What about the great bosses? The ones that motivate you, guide you, teach you all the tricks of the trade and swoop in if a project hits the fan.
In any large organisation there are plenty of genuine leaders whose role it is to develop talented employees. If you’re a standout company performer, your progress up the career ladder can become a natural progression.
Being your own boss, it is great that there’s no one breathing down your neck telling you what to do. But there’s also no one patting you on the back, advising your next move and looking out for your career. No strategic roadmaps. No performance review. No career plans. No fast track programs.
So, what do soloists do when it’s time for a change? For me the end of each year brings a period of reassessment. Whether it’s looking for a clear direction or assessing opportunities, these are the times when I miss being able to book a meeting with the boss to map out a solid plan.
One great solution is to find an experienced business mentor who is willing to sit with you a few times a year and be your sounding board.
Is having no leader an issue for you? How do you cope with being your own boss? Do you honestly ever miss your boss? Do you have a mentor? Any good resignation tales? I’d love to hear your views.
I would ask my boss, but I don’t have one!
“ One great solution is to find an experienced business mentor who is willing to sit with you a few times a year and be your sounding board. ”
Peter Crocker is a director of Flying Solo responsible for marketing and advertising. As a business copywriter he partners with digital agencies and corporate clients on websites and digital content. He’s the co-author of Flying Solo Revisited – How to go it alone in business.
