Anyone who aspires to start their own business should read the book Boss Life: Surviving My Own Small Business by Paul Downs. It’s an honest, no-BS account that details a year in the author’s life running his own small business, Paul Downs Cabinetmakers in Bridgeport, PA.
Paul’s story is raw, fascinating, and a far cry from the typical glossy narratives we read about in entrepreneurship magazines. He’s open about his successes and failings as a boss and business owner, providing a practical lens into what it’s really like to run a small business.
I’ve been reading Boss Life for the past few weeks, and have found it very refreshing. As someone who recently started a small business of my own, I’ve appreciated his honest and detailed insights into everything from how he hires employees, to managing his monthly cash-flow. But the best insights come from his internal dialogue on how he can be a better boss.
Which brings me an excerpt I’d like to share. Paul has recently promoted a young and talented shop worker to a managerial position, and is explaining how he wants him to lead.
He tells his new manager:
When you’re out there, I want you to do it like I do it. I may not be a rich man, but I’ve kept the doors open for twenty-six years, so I know something about running a shop. And people don’t quit, so I can’t be all that bad. Here are my rules: take everyone seriously. Don’t discount someone because of how they look, or where they came from, or because you don’t like the way they talk. I’ve had a lot of employees, and they all usually have some flaws along with their strengths. Try to get past the weaknesses and bring out their strengths. Always stay calm. Never shout, never even raise your voice. If someone does something good, tell them, right there and in public. If somebody screws up, take them to a private area to discuss it. I don’t like to spend time blaming people for mistakes. Move right to figuring out what happened and how to keep it from happening again. And don’t forget to listen. Let your people have a chance to contribute their ideas, or their excuses. Then you get the final word. That’s being a boss.
In less than 200 words, Paul has powerfully summarized what it means to be a great leader.
A great leader should:
- Treat everyone fairly
- Promote a growth mindset among employees
- Remain even-keeled, even when others aren’t
They should also posses the following characteristics:
- Humble
- Solution oriented
- Good listener
- Open minded
- Decisive
It’s rare to find such succinct and powerful advice in a business book these days. Paul’s speech about leadership is one I’ll be referencing and sharing for years to come.