Are you addicted to chaos?

Are you addicted to chaos?
Many small business owners seem to be attached to their computers, cell phones, and always seem to be running around frantically, carrying the weight of their business heavily upon their shoulders. In the article “Three Signs You are Addicted to Chaos”, it addresses just that. It describes three stereotypes of a chaotic business entrepreneur that may prove true for many. These include: their business live revolves around the in-box, they can’t step away from the business, and they are strangely proud they have so little free time.
First, their business revolves around the inbox. Their day is run by the next move they need to make pending on the need from responses in their inbox, PDA, or other communication devices. They are constantly on high alert and have a tendency to have increased levels of stress due to the emphasis they place on the urgency to react to the next message. Stress is a common occurrence in our everyday life and hard to avoid. It is important, however, to recognize this stressor and find a way to manage it. Some ways to manage the stress that comes along with running a small business can be taking your work to a remote area outside of the office. If you find peace at a local coffee shop, take your computer there and work for a portion of the day. Time management can also reduce the stress of having so many demands thrust upon you at once. Paid time off, also known as sabbaticals, can also help. Having such an active lifestyle in the business field can take its toll. It is important that individuals recharge their batteries so they don’t experience job burnout.
Second, many small business leaders feel that if they step away from their office, their business will fall apart. To subside this fear, good communication should be established so that business leaders can leave the office and feel comfortable that those left in charge know the goals to be accomplished. The communication should include coordination from both managers and employees, a transmission of the information or tasks to be completed, and both sides should share their feelings about the topic. Having a set communication process will make communication more open, the organization run more smoothly while managers are away, and business leaders can finally take the time off from work that they need.
Lastly, “free time” is becoming a foreign phrase to these chaotic entrepreneurs. I know I personally have worked for a small business where I have had a boss that seemed like he lived at work. I wondered if he ever had any time for himself or his family. Has anyone else worked for someone and felt the same way? To possibly gain more free time, entrepreneurs and small business owners can have strict criterion when hiring people onto their formal work group. Developing a cohesive work group that is knowledgeable of the goals of the organization will allow small business owners the peace of mind that while they are gone, their team is capable of temporarily running the business. I have had managers put myself in charge along with other select individuals if they had to leave for the day to attend meetings and such. Has anyone had similar experiences? Was everyone able to work together to keep things running smoothly?



article: http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2011/03/three_signs_you_are_addicted_to_chaos.html


Team Three
Danielle Trasatti