I’ve often said in these articles that when we are self-employed we are both the boss and the employee. I was thinking about that recently, and wondering what sort of a boss I would like to be to myself?

The job of the boss is many layered. The boss

• Directs the business
• Monitors progress
• Supervises the staff
• Takes responsibility

I’ve had many bosses in my lifetime of working, some good and some not so good. I’ve also been the boss, and at times, I was good at it, and other times, not so much.

The best bosses I worked for

• Were clear about what they wanted from me
• Trusted me to do what I was supposed to do, but held me accountable
• Spent time with me, talking about the job
• Appreciated what I did, told me I was an important part of the team
• Supported me when things went wrong
• Challenged me to grow and learn
• Took responsibility for their part

The worst bosses I worked for

• Left me confused about priorities and direction
• Micro managed me
• Were unavailable
• Constantly criticised what went wrong
• Didn’t appreciate or acknowledge what went well
• Didn’t take responsibility

As a self-employed professional, I have all these traits at times!

It’s a challenge to be both the director and the directed at the same time. But that’s the job when you’re self-employed, and both parts of it are important. Without the direction of the boss, the employee may lose focus or motivation. Without the employee, the director may spend all their time planning or thinking, but the customers may not get what they need. In many organisations, there is a constant pull and tug between management and staff, you may recognise this from your own working experience. It’s appropriate that there should be that tug and pull, because that tension gives life and energy to the organisation.

Therapy practice can be demanding, and therapists who are self employed may see their job as meeting clients, and the business aspects as a nuisance. If no one sees the business tasks as a priority, they may never get done. Or, if the boss in us is too heavy handed, there may be a constant cycle of rebellion against doing the business tasks, and criticism for not doing them.

What sort of a boss are you in your business of therapy? And more to the point, how could you be the boss you have always wanted?

If you find it hard to focus on the business aspects of your practice, perhaps I can help? Contact me here to make an appointment or avail of your free 20 minute consultation.