A few days ago, I was in an interesting meeting organized by Brno Innovation Centre, where young CEOs and company owners usually meet. The purpose of the meeting was to share ideas and experience with people management and various styles of managing teams and individuals. I was there the only one who was neither the owner nor the CEO. I intended to 'make new friends,' someone for endless discussions about my ideas and purposes. Beside one try, I've never tried entrepreneurship, and when I did, it never grew over the size of a nice hobby. As soon as I had to take care of myself, I closed the business and started a regular career with the conscious decision that I don't know that much about where the money comes from :). I always knew there are many differences between people like me, who choose the easy way and courage people, who put their energy into building something - well - maybe huge, maybe something completely wrong.
Still, I've never realized the whole size of such a difference. Being a leader of one department, I have rarely realized the size of their scope and variety of their activities.
So, you, captains and visionaries, have started a business, you are successful, and now it's time to share your duties - no matter why. So, if you are already 120% of your time utilized, without anyone who can take part in your job, you are not in a favorable situation. But rather than trying to grow a sudden partner, I'd hire one. An experienced leader can help with growing a few more from your current team. Also, the situation where you have fresh blood in your team may open eyes and minds for new ideas around.
Actually, any manager should be working with the people who can cover his duties, so they and I can grow. If I became the blocker, I'd be changed. Whenever you as the owner is the blocker, the company could stall or perform under its potential.
If you are not there yet, take a coffee and think for a while: what's your plan in case the company would be tripled next year? Are you still in charge of everything? Which departments may offer less control sooner, and who could be the man or woman in charge?
Do you have one? Great, so how can you work with these talents? Are they willing to be a manager? Knowing this gives you the opportunity and gives them a career vision and plan.
It's difficult to start. The first tasks will take much longer, be finished in worse quality, and be reworked. But that's not anything that could stop you! You have to provide support and guidance, maybe clear instructions, and see and appraise the first successful steps. It's a long process where suddenly, instead of finishing the job,, your task is to provide support and guidance (of course, don't choose a task where failing means bankruptcy).
But it's necessary to start and necessary to stay on track. It's the same as dieting - you can always postpone this for tomorrow. And you'll remain fat.