Personality Check

Not all entrepreneurs want “senior status” – not all business owners want to give up the production role first or end up in a planning role last. The path owners take when growing their businesses and careers should depend on their individual fortes.

“The best role for owner is one that aligns their personal preferences and their strengths,” recognized Dan Foley, president, D. Foley Landscape, Walpole, Mass. This requires a look in the mirror and an honest assessment of what qualities the business needs to succeed.

A little soul searching helps entrepreneurs discover their true goals for the business and whether or not these visions match their strengths. Jean Seawright, president, Seawright & Associates, a Winter Park, Fla.-based human resources consulting firm, said asking basic questions helps contractors reach some of these conclusions.

For example, are you people- or task-oriented? Look for patterns in life in what you did well,” Seawright suggested. “What did you enjoy most in previous jobs, or even in school? Where did you excel? These are your strengths.

“If you are someone who enjoys carpentry, it might be that you’re very creative,” she indicated. “Some of the best carpenters are really artistic. So, you take that skill and you translate that into the business world, and you say, ‘Where is this strength best utilized?’ Maybe marketing or sales – putting together creative sales programs.”

On the other hand, a task-driven individual might prefer crunching numbers. In this case, the owner’s patient demeanor would probably favor deskwork over hands-on labor.

The author is a Contributing Editor to Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at khampshire@lawnandlandscape.com.