Founders are great at looking after their businesses. They’ll obsess over cashflow, hunt down the next big client, and pour energy into their teams. But when it comes to looking after themselves? Not so much.
Most entrepreneurs I meet are brilliant at being the engine of their company, but they rarely stop to ask whether that engine needs tuning. It’s like running a car flat-out on the motorway without ever stopping for petrol. Sooner or later, it splutters to a halt.
Stephen Covey coined the phrase “sharpen the saw” in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The idea is simple: if you never stop to sharpen your saw, you’ll keep hacking away at the tree — but with diminishing returns. For founders, the saw is you. And if you’re blunt, tired, or stuck in the weeds, your business feels it.
September is a perfect time to pause and ask: what’s my growth plan? Not for the company, not for the team — but for me.
1. Be honest about your gaps
Every founder has blind spots, even the ones who seem to have it all together. Maybe you’re brilliant at sales but less confident with people leadership. Maybe you’re a product visionary but glaze over when finance comes up. Or maybe you’re strong on strategy but avoid those uncomfortable performance conversations.
The strongest leaders aren’t the ones who pretend to know it all — they’re the ones who admit what they don’t know and find ways to learn. That honesty is powerful. It frees you up to improve, and it sets the tone for your team that it’s safe not to have all the answers.
Take stock this autumn: where do you feel shaky? What’s holding you back from taking the next step? That’s your starting point. Write it down, own it, and treat it as a growth goal — the same way you would with your team.
2. Invest in your own learning
Most founders are quick to sign off on training for their people but rarely extend the same courtesy to themselves. Your team has development plans — why not you?
Investing in your growth doesn’t mean signing up for a dusty MBA (unless you want to). It might mean:
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Finding a mentor who’s been where you’re heading and can share shortcuts and scars.
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Joining a peer group of other founders who get it. (There’s nothing quite like the relief of someone saying, “me too.”)
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Dipping into podcasts or books outside your comfort zone — whether that’s on leadership, innovation, or just something to stretch your thinking.
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Getting coaching on areas like delegation, strategy, or communication.
The key is to make it deliberate, not accidental. Learning by osmosis is fine, but intentional learning compounds faster. Think of it as compound interest for your leadership.
3. Model what you expect
If you want your team to learn, grow, and be curious, you need to show them you do the same. One of the fastest ways to embed a learning culture is to live it.
Share the podcast that made you rethink strategy. Talk openly about the mistake you learned from last month. Tell them about the new skill you’re working on. Far from undermining your authority, this kind of openness builds trust. It shows your team that growth is not only allowed but expected.
The founder who models growth creates permission for everyone else to follow suit. And that ripples through culture faster than any value statement.
Where founders can start this September
If you’re ready to sharpen your saw but aren’t sure where to begin, here are some simple starting points:
- Block out one hour a week in your diary for your own growth. Whether that’s reading, reflection, or a coaching session, protect it as fiercely as you would a client meeting.
- Pick one skill or area to work on for the next 90 days. Keep it focused. Big transformations start with small, deliberate steps.
- Surround yourself with people who stretch you. Join a group or network where you’re not the smartest person in the room. It’s uncomfortable, but in the best way.
Because here’s the thing: a blunt saw slows everything down. It makes the work harder, takes longer, and drains more energy. Sharpening yours isn’t indulgent — it’s essential. Your business is only as sharp as you are.
So this September, while you’re busy making plans for your team and your business, carve out some space for yourself too. Ask what you need to grow, where you need to sharpen, and who can help you.
Future-you will thank you!
At The HR Hub, we don’t just help teams grow — we help founders grow too. Whether it’s building calm, capable people systems or thinking about your own development as a leader, we’re here to help.
📩 Drop us a line or book a call here to discuss confidentially and without obligation any concerns you have – we’d love to help.You can find us a line at hello@thehrhub.co.uk or call 0203 627 7048
