There are so many frameworks out there that guide you on how to run your business.
And there are so many different systems and tools you can use with your people and systems.
Is there a one size fits all?
No.
The kind of rhythms you need to run a large business with multiple teams (or teams of teams) and reporting lines is not the same as when you are a startup with a handful of people.
Installing un-needed rhythms into a small team will cost time and money as un-necessary rituals are performed.
Similarly, if you are not running the right (or enough) rhythms for the size of your team(s), your people will fall out of alignment.
It will be unclear who is doing what?
Who owns what?
Who is blocked by someone else?
What really matters and should be prioritised vs dropped.
Operational chaos will ensue.
Where to start?!
If you are a start up with a small team and beginning to experience growth and the challenges that come with it, then Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz is for you.
It is simple and prescriptive.
I can relate, because when I reflect on my business journey, I have taken these same steps.
For me, the concept of a Queen Bee Role (QBR) is my favourite take-away.
The QBR of my business is providing access to our talented pool of operators to my clients.
When I have deviated from this offering, it has usually been a distraction.
An opportunity cost when I could be continuing to find ways to improve our existing service instead.
The goal of this book is to design a business that can run itself and allow you to step away.
Make your business a pleasure to own.
Here were my key takeaways:
1. Find Your Queen Bee Role (QBR)
Just like in a beehive, where the Queen Bee’s job is most crucial, every business has a core role that’s key to its success.
Identify that role and protect it at all costs to keep your business thriving.
2. Cut the Fat
Streamline your operations by cutting out the fluff.
Focus on what truly matters, eliminating distractions and direct your energy to tasks that directly support your QBR.
3. Serve the QBR
Once you know your Queen Bee Role, make sure all efforts support and enhance it.
Every task and employee should ultimately contribute to this central function.
4. Capture Systems
Document how things are done in your business.
This isn’t about fancy tech but about creating simple guides so anyone can step in and keep the machine running smoothly, without you.
5. Delegate with Confidence
Elevate your team by entrusting them with real responsibility.
Ensure each person knows their role, understands its importance, and has the tools to execute.
This isn’t abdication; it’s leadership.
6. Measure What Matters
Focus on the metrics that truly reflect your business’s health and the QBR’s effectiveness.
Ignore vanity metrics that don’t contribute to real growth.
7. Achieve Your Freedom
Design a business that affords you the freedom to step away.
Whether it’s for innovation, leisure, or personal growth, learn how to create a self-running machine that liberates you from day-to-day operations.
Talk soon,
Lloyd
PS – Need some help installing the right rhythms to run your business? Let’s chat.
