In my work with business owners, I often hear about how their business would be better “if only …”

Some of the problems mentioned are a non-performing employee, processes not being followed, and lack of sales. But the truth is that the biggest opportunity most businesses have to be better involves the owner. Here is what I think can make a difference for both that person and the company they own.

Be Open
Owners come in all flavors. Many create distance, often unintentionally, between themselves and their employees. This distance makes it so the owner does not get the input they need.

Employees can provide insights to the owner that no one else can. They have experienced the owner during joyful times and difficult circumstances.

The ability to change is made possible by the owner taking in what gets them most upset.

Be Honest
Most of us ignore what we do that does not fit our idea of who we are. As long as we do that, we never get honest about what, deep in our hearts, we know is true.

Every once in a while, I see an owner who finally realizes what they need to do to become more effective. That insight does not by itself mean things are going to be better going forward.

However, with that realization a door opens, showing the owner what might be. Sometimes it is hard to see because of all the work the owner needs to commit to doing. But the possibility of change is now at hand.

Get Serious
By being more open and getting honest with themselves about the validity of the input offered them, the owner now is faced with the final choice: What are they going to do, starting now, that will help them become who they want to be and who their company needs them to be?

This is the heart of the matter.

Some owners get stuck here. They laugh at their foibles and keep doing what they have been doing. Or they continue to be frustrated by the same bumps in the road to success that they have been experiencing for a long time.

Your Choice
The biggest remodeling job you will ever work on is becoming who you know you need and want to be. This is a long and hard project, with positive changes coming in small bits.

Part of your work is to decide what to work on first and noticing when you did something differently than you usually do, when you made a different choice.

Your people will notice you struggling with this great work, the work of becoming who you want to be, not who you “are.” They will be inspired by your example.

What are you frustrated by? And what you going to do about it?

The choice is up to you. Remember, you are the biggest opportunity your business has.