Building an Unbreakable Business
In a world where many businesses crumble under pressure, Adam Wisner, CEO of Sherman Portfolios and creator of Unbreakable OS, offers a different path rooted in resilience, systems, and servant leadership. His blend of practical strategies and biblical wisdom provides a blueprint for leaders who want to build companies that last.
Key Insights
1. The Dispensable CEO
True strength in leadership comes from building a business that doesn’t rely solely on one person. Adam stresses that when CEOs build systems that allow operations to run without them, they create long-term stability and growth.
2. The Role of Systems and Frameworks
Adam's Unbreakable OS is built on seven laws designed to create what he calls "asymmetric endurance." This means that as the business grows, the CEO's involvement should decrease, allowing the business to scale efficiently. Key components of this system include financial discipline, decision velocity, and a focus on purpose beyond profit.
3. Servant Leadership
A recurring theme in Adam's approach is servant leadership. He believes that true leadership involves serving your employees, providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This not only fosters a positive work environment but also drives business success.
4. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in building trust and addressing the deeper needs of a team. Genuine care and consistent communication can transform how employees show up to work.
5. Practical Financial Management
One of the gaps Adam identified in many small businesses is the lack of robust financial management. He stresses the importance of regular financial reviews and disciplined financial practices to ensure the business's health and sustainability.
Action Steps
1. Implement Systems to Make Yourself Dispensable
Start by identifying key processes and tasks that are heavily dependent on you. Develop and document systems and frameworks that allow these tasks to be handled by others. This could involve creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), automating certain processes, or delegating responsibilities to trusted team members.
2. Foster a Culture of Servant Leadership
Shift your leadership approach to focus on serving your team. Regularly ask your employees how you can support them better. This could be through one-on-one meetings where you ask questions like, "What are you proud of right now?" and "What can I do to serve you better as your leader?" Consistently showing genuine care will build trust and improve team morale.
3. Strengthen Your Financial Management
Ensure you have a solid financial management system in place. This includes regular reviews of your profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow. Consider implementing financial management software or working with a financial advisor to maintain disciplined financial practices. Regularly set and review financial goals to keep your business on track.
Building an unbreakable business requires a combination of strategic planning, robust systems, and a focus on servant leadership. By making yourself dispensable, fostering a supportive work environment, and maintaining disciplined financial practices, you can create a resilient business that thrives in the long term. Start implementing these action steps today to strengthen your business and ensure its future success.
Resources
Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprint
