Is it your business?

Is it your business?” is a typical phrase one would hear during altercations in and outside the workplace. It essentially speaks to one who has taken it upon themselves to enquire about a subject or issue beyond the point that should be their concern.

‘Is it your business?’ asks why there is an over and beyond the call of duty type of reaction to a situation and questions the level of concern and skin in the game one displays.  As borderline insultive as it may sound during a conversation it really is a question all line leaders should be asked today and every day.

Is it your business if the strategic game plan of your organisation isn’t being executed right?

Is it your business that the board of directors do not discuss people – “the greatest assets” of the organisation at any of the meetings?

Is it your business that the ivy-league training you just got your company to pay for would not generate the organisation any ROI?

Is it your business if members of your team do not get adequate line manager support from you?

Is it your business that year in year out, members of your team would rather not work with you based on your leadership style?

Is it your business that you have cut your nose to spite your face by not making good your leadership space only because you didn’t get good leadership while you grew through the ranks?

Entrepreneurs and employees with entrepreneurial mindsets understand what it takes to answer these questions. There’s a certain level of ownership that is displayed to be able to internally monologue “this is my business!”

It definitely is your business how many leaders you’re able to develop over the course of your career – those who can truly say you are that leader that influenced them.

The turnover rate of members on your team is your business and how they interact with you and learn from you is your business.

The correlation between your deliverables, actions and results of your team is your business.

Being open and authentic at performance discussions irrespective of who is present is your business.

It’s your business how integrity and a disciplined work ethic permeate through your organisation, starting from your team.

Arresting pilfering, discussing tardiness and flagging inconsistencies with processes is your business.

Respect for people’s time and how that impacts on the perception of your company in the job market is your business – even if you’re just interviewing interns!

The business is your business. As an entry level analyst or global executive in your start-up, mid-sized or multinational organisation, it is your business to handle business right.

So, is it now your business?

Ngozi Adebiyi

Ngozi Adebiyi is the Lead Consultant at OutsideIn HR & Career/Leadership Coach @ OutsideInCoach. Our focus is practical interventions that address the challenges of businesses today. We specialise in HR Business Partnering & Leadership Development with the goal of revolutionising HR in Nigeria & consciously unleashing inner greatness! Ngozi@outsideinHRng.com