As an entrepreneur, you’re always on. Work and life merge. You travel, work on holiday and answer emails on a Sunday.
For you, that’s freedom. For your team, it’s a job.
And yes, I expect more from my team than the bare minimum.
What gets to me?
Needing important information on a Sunday and getting no response. Hearing big goals followed by small commitment.
The tension is real, and often a challenge.
As an entrepreneur, I’m quick to measure engagement against my own willingness to be available at any time. When people don’t respond in the evening, you feel let down.
At the same time, I know my employees don’t carry my risk. They aren’t always on.
After 25 years as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that going the extra mile mustn’t become a permanent requirement. It’s a conscious choice at decisive moments, and the framework matters. For example:
• Clear performance goals instead of a culture of presence
• Defined availability for real priorities
• Complete freedom when the results are right
I don’t want nine to five.
But I don’t want burnout in the team either.
Ownership, yes.
Self-sacrifice, no.
Should an entrepreneur ask for more than the contract says?
