Are you able to spot when a change in your role might be for the business’ greater good? Here, Steve Pickering, the ‘unorthodox’ CEO of South East independent bed retail chain Sussex Beds, explains how self-awareness is essential for growth …
Do you have the emotional intelligence to recognise when your role has outgrown your skillset?
I’ve witnessed this firsthand multiple times – leaders who had the courage to recognise, self-assess, and step aside for the greater good of the business.
In 2014, my father made this bold decision. He stepped aside to allow me and my brother to work with our business coach and radically transform our business structure. The goal was implementing necessary systems and processes that a mature business requires for controlled growth – a change my father knew would conflict with his entrepreneurial style.
A few years ago, my sister Sue Skinner demonstrated similar wisdom. She moved from heading the sales department to leading buying and product development, a role better aligned with her strengths.
More recently, after navigating challenging financial circumstances over the past 12 months, my brother Matt Pickering chose to transition away from leading the financial department. We appointed a fractional CFO to work alongside him, ensuring a smooth transition.
As businesses grow, roles evolve, accountabilities shift, and skillsets need to scale. Having the self-awareness and emotional intelligence to act in the business’ best interest is crucial. It ensures the right people with the right skills occupy the right positions, paving the way for sustainable growth.
Have you ever had to make a similar decision in your career? What prompted you to recognise that it was time for change?
Discover more of Steve’s thoughts in his blog.
