Making the shift from working in your business to leading it

As a company owner, you've probably heard the phrase “work on your business, not in it” more times than you can count.

It’s practically the business owner's mantra, repeated endlessly by every business guru, coach and well-meaning colleague out there. But let's be real — how many of us actually follow that advice?

Most tech entrepreneurs I know are buried so deep in the day-to-day grind that the thought of stepping back to focus on the big picture feels like a distant dream. If you’re nodding your head right now, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

But here’s the thing: staying stuck in the trenches might be holding you and your business back. So, let’s talk about what it really means to make that shift from operator to visionary, and why it’s the best thing you can do for your company — and your sanity.

The operator’s dilemma

When you first started your company, you were likely involved in every aspect of the business, from coding and customer service to sales and sweeping the office floors (if you had one). And let’s face it, that’s part of what makes entrepreneurship so exhilarating — you’re the mastermind behind every decision, every product, and every success. But as your company grows, so do the demands on your time. Suddenly, you’re not just wearing many hats — you’re buried under a mountain of them.

Here’s where the dilemma kicks in. You know you should be focusing on strategy, growth and the future, but there’s always that urgent task, that client fire to put out, or that new problem that just has to be solved right now. It’s a vicious cycle that keeps you stuck working in your business instead of on it.

Why being the visionary matters

So why bother making the shift? Why not just keep hustling like you always have? Because if you don’t step back and start thinking big, your business will hit a ceiling — and so will you.

Working on your business means focusing on the long-term vision, setting strategic goals and driving growth. It’s about thinking creatively, spotting opportunities and steering your company toward sustainable success.

In contrast, working in your business keeps you tethered to the here and now, constantly reacting to whatever comes your way.

Think of it like this: when you’re stuck in the daily grind, it’s like being the captain of a ship who’s too busy swabbing the deck to notice the iceberg up ahead. But when you step back and look at the bigger picture, you’re able to chart a course that avoids disaster and leads to smoother, more prosperous waters.

The shift in mindset

Making the shift from operator to visionary isn’t just about handing off tasks —it’s about changing your entire mindset. You have to embrace the idea that your role as a leader isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about guiding your team, making strategic decisions and focusing on what will move the needle for your business.

Let’s talk about delegation. Yes, I know, the 'D word'. For many entrepreneurs, delegation feels like a dirty word. After all, no one can do it as well as you, right? Well, that’s where you need to shift your perspective (see what I did there?). Start by identifying tasks that drain your time and energy — the ones that someone else could handle just as well, if not better. Then, trust your team to take them on. Remember, you hired them for a reason!

Practical steps to start leading your business

• Set clear goals: What’s your vision for the next three to five years? Define where you want to go and make sure your team knows too. It’s easier to delegate when everyone’s aligned with the same goals

• Build a strong team: Surround yourself with people who complement your skills and who you trust to execute your vision. Invest in their growth so they can take on more responsibility, freeing you to focus on the big picture

• Prioritise strategic thinking: Schedule a regular time to step away from the daily grind and think strategically about your business. Use this time to review your goals, identify new opportunities and make decisions that will drive growth

• Embrace technology: Automate routine tasks wherever possible. Whether it’s customer service, invoicing, or project management, the right tools can save you time and reduce your workload

• Mind your mindset: Keep reminding yourself that your value as a leader isn’t in doing all the work, but in setting the direction and ensuring your team has the resources to succeed

Wrapping up

Shifting from working in your business to leading on it isn’t easy — it requires a change in mindset, a willingness to let go of control and a focus on the long game. But it’s worth it.

When you start leading your business, you’ll not only unlock new growth opportunities, but you’ll also find more time to do what you truly love —whether that’s innovating, strategising or even taking a well-deserved break.

So, if you’re ready to stop being the captain who’s too busy mopping the deck and start steering your ship toward success, it’s time to make the shift. Your business — and your future self — will thank you.

Relevant resources

• The art of leadership: Inspiring growth and success

• Building a legacy: How purpose-driven leadership leads to lasting success

• How to improve your delegation skills as a small business owner