Working for yourself comes with many benefits. But it can also throw you into unfamiliar territory, financially and emotionally.
Taking that leap into entrepreneurship doesn't just require a business plan and funding, it takes emotional intelligence - the capability to recognize and work productively with your own emotions and those of others.
In fact, this is the hallmark of a great leader, though leadership isn't always described in such terms. But if you consider any of the great leaders you know, you may notice that as a common denominator. You just feel better after being with them, and having them be with you.
In contrast, think of anyone you know who you identify as not a great leader. They may come across as reactive, hard to read, distant or cold, and you leave meetings with them feeling uncertain and fearful.
What you are feeling is the difference between someone who has a well-integrated emotional intelligence, and someone who does not.
Investing in increasing your own emotional intelligence can help you take risks, promote your ideas and see them adopted, and be able to go with your gut even when you have doubts.
A lack of emotional intelligence can be costly, causing you to make financial and legal mistakes such as taking advice from the wrong people, not trusting your instincts, or holding back on key communications to partners, vendors and team members.
Building emotional intelligence can help you visualize - and then reach success you want. But it won't likely be developed overnight and you may need a trusted advisor to show you where you have the opportunity to learn in this area.
You may be surprised to hear this, but as your Family Business Lawyer™, we can be the Trusted Advisor who helps you to hone your emotional intelligence, learn to trust your instincts and lead from the inside out. As part of our work together, over time, we can be the advisor you turn to for a backstop on emotional decisions, to help you identify and move through fear, and to look out for your business's future, so you have the emotional space to expand.
This article is a service of Sky Unlimited Legal Advisory PC, Family Business Lawyer™. We offer a complete spectrum of legal services for businesses and can help you make the wisest choices on how to deal with your business throughout life and in the event of your death. We also offer a LIFT Start-Up Session™ or a LIFT Audit for an ongoing business, which includes a review of all the legal, financial, and tax systems you need for your business. Call us today at (650) 761-0992 to schedule.
Like what you're learning?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get this knowledge directly through your email!
You can find more of our recent business articles by clicking here.