Often, as entrepreneurs, we have to be incredibly focused.
On our milestones.
On our metrics.
On our mission.
But while pushing like a maniac to reach our lofty goals, it’s also important to look up and remember the other people in the room.
I was recently talking with a founder who shared a story that felt all too familiar:
They had been going all in on their business.
Pushing for every dollar,
Every new customer,
Every new deal.
Despite an amazing network and relentless energy,
They weren’t getting as far or as fast as they’d hoped.
They had been working around the clock,
Reaching out to every contact,
Chasing every opportunity,
Pushing their team,
Selling like crazy.
But things just weren’t clicking.
In the end, they felt alone, exhausted, and defeated.
Looking back, they realized something that changed everything:
They had been so focused on their own success
That their ability to build trust had taken a backseat.
When you’re only out for numero uno, everyone around you can feel it.
Your partners can feel it.
Your investors can feel it.
Your employees can feel it.
And chances are, so can your customers.
Running a business isn’t just about ambition.
It’s about seeing beyond yourself.
You might be led to believe otherwise,
Given the way some current tech leaders have been modeling leadership lately,
But being a great leader requires actual awareness and prioritization of others’ needs.
Of communication and listening.
Of building up those around you.
Of growing beyond just you.
Miss that key factor,
And you could soon be running a kingdom of one.
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