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The Power of Process and Leadership in Entrepreneurship: A Conversation with Rob Dubey
As the host of the podcast “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” I recently had the pleasure of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Rob Dube, a business partner of Gino Wickman, the creator of the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS). Rob shared his journey and experiences in implementing EOS in his own company, Image One, and the significant role of systems and processes in business success.
The Importance of Systems and Processes
Rob emphasized the importance of having a process to run a business. He shared how this contributed to the success and growth of Image One. He also highlighted the significance of building systems and processes that allow the business to operate independently of the owner.
When potential acquirers evaluate a business, Rob mentioned, they look for scalability and continuity, which can only be achieved through strong processes and systems. We discussed the common mistake of entrepreneurs not investing in building these systems, resulting in the lack of a transferable asset when they decide to sell their business.
The Value of Time Off
We also touched on the importance of taking time off and the benefits it brings to both the business owner and the team. Rob mentioned his other business, the Ten Disciplines, which focuses on the idea of taking regular sabbaticals to recharge and improve overall productivity.
Empowering Your Team
Rob discussed the importance of letting go of control as an entrepreneur and empowering your team. He emphasized that true leadership is about empowering others to solve problems and grow the business. He introduced the concept of “delegate and elevate” and encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on strategic partnerships and big visions to take their business to new levels.
I shared my observation that many businesses suffer because the owners are unwilling to give up control. I call this the “paradox of success” where the company reaches a certain level of performance but fails to expand further due to the owner’s reluctance to hire and empower a team.
Rob’s Initiatives
Rob introduced two initiatives he is working on. The first is called “Ten Disciplines,” which focuses on helping entrepreneurs understand, protect, and free themselves to level up their businesses. The second initiative is “Entrepreneurial Leap,” which supports early-stage entrepreneurs with less than ten employees through a nine-month academy that provides guidance on confirming their readiness for entrepreneurship and running a successful business.
Key Takeaways
When asked for his biggest takeaway as a business owner and entrepreneur, Rob shared three insights. First, he highlighted that entrepreneurs are driven individuals who are wired differently from the rest of the population. Second, he emphasized the importance of making decisions out of love rather than fear, as fear-based decisions can hinder leadership and growth. Lastly, he revealed that it is possible to be driven and have peace.
The Role of Leadership in Entrepreneurial Success
We discussed the importance of leadership in entrepreneurial ventures. Rob shared his own experiences, explaining that as a young entrepreneur, he was focused on hustling and knocking on doors, not thinking about leadership. However, as he started building a team, he realized the importance of understanding how he showed up as a leader and the impact it had on his team.
We agreed that hiring the right people is essential for building a successful company and creating a desired culture. Rob shared an example from his own experience, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive work experience for employees, as they will talk about it at home and share their thoughts with others. He also mentioned the concept of servant leadership and highlighted the need for leaders to take care of themselves first before helping others.
Conclusion
I express my gratitude to the listeners and encourage them to check out the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel, “Leadership Powered by Common Sense.” I invite them to explore the channel, leave comments, and provide feedback to help shape the direction of the podcast.
As the host of the podcast “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” I offer coaching and advisory services. If you’re interested in learning more about these services, you can visit my website, dougthorpe.com.
Remember, the success of your entrepreneurial venture lies in your leadership, the systems and processes you put in place, and the team you empower.
