Can your business run without you this summer?

With summer approaching, you might be thinking about taking some well-deserved time off. But here’s a hard question: can your business genuinely run without you while you’re away? Or will your inbox pile up, your phone keep buzzing, and your team wait until you’re back before making decisions?

This isn’t just about annual leave. It’s about trust, systems, and leadership. And summer is the perfect time to check in on all three.

What happens when you step away?

For many business owners, stepping away (even for a long weekend) triggers low-level panic. Not because they don’t want the rest, but because deep down they’re not sure the business can function without them. If that’s you—you’re not alone. But it’s also a red flag worth paying attention to.

What does it say about your systems, delegation, and team confidence if the business grinds to a halt when you’re off?

Delegation is a skill, not a personality trait

One common myth is that good delegators are just naturally more trusting or relaxed. In reality, delegation is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned and improved. It starts with clarity—are you clear on what only you can do? And have you communicated that clearly to your team?

A helpful exercise is to write down everything you do in a given week. Then identify what only you can do—and what you’re still doing that someone else could handle. That’s often where the real opportunity lies.

Building a team that doesn’t need hand-holding

Effective delegation doesn’t mean just handing over a task—it means handing over ownership. The goal isn’t for your team to do things exactly how you would. It’s for them to understand the outcome you want and feel empowered to get there their own way.

And here’s the kicker: if you don’t let people step up, they won’t. Teams rise to the level of responsibility they’re given.

As a business coach, I’ve seen this transformation firsthand. One client admitted they were scared to let go of key tasks, fearing things would fall apart. But after encouraging them to set clearer boundaries, provide stronger context, and trust their team more—they were shocked by the results. Not only did things not fall apart, but their team grew in confidence and initiative.

Now’s the time to prepare

If you’re hoping to switch off for a few days or even a few weeks this summer, now is the time to get things in place. Review your workflows. Revisit your team’s responsibilities. Ask yourself: what’s missing that would allow you to step away more comfortably?

The ultimate goal isn’t just taking a holiday—it’s knowing the business won’t wait for your return to move forward.

Our Cycle of Business Success Workshops are game-changers for business owners. They love what they see, and it completely fires them up. You’ve got nothing to lose by coming along to these free events and everything to gain. Why wait? Don’t put off until tomorrow what you absolutely know you should do today.

Upcoming event:

Wednesday 25th June 2025 – Hilton East Midlands Airport