WHAT YOU FEEL: there are so many areas of the business that I like and am good at but others I just dread

PERSPECTIVE: Ask yourself:

What parts of this am I good at, and what parts do I struggle with?

Be honest with yourself and recognize those areas that you are not good at or have little experience in. One of the key skills of a leader is to understand what you are and are not good at so you can supplement your skills with the skills of others. You may have to take these tasks on in the beginning, but knowing this about yourself can be helpful.

First, if you struggle with an area, you waste valuable time on it and do not produce good results. Someone who has worked with a small business accounting package can set up your business in a few hours. It might take the artist weeks with lots of frustration.

Second, when you acknowledge this, your team responds to you better. They see a leader who is candid and admits there are areas in which he or she needs help. Leaders who think that they are good at everything even when it is clear they are not strain their credibility with those around them. If you have never raised money before, don’t try it without some guidance. Imagine trying to figure out this complex process when thousands of others have “been there, done that.”

Finally, investors and other third parties look for leaders that understand that the company needs to complement the skills of the entrepreneur with other skills to help the business grow. If leaders that don’t understand this, and think they know, or should know, it all, investors know they will fail to grow their business.

Once you recognize these areas, you can plan accordingly. Look for resources who’s experiences balance yours. People can help you get these things off your plate onto others for which they are old hat. Understanding what you are good at, and not good at, helps you make good decisions that benefit both the business and you.

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