I know this seems like an odd statement but sometimes for an owner of a business, getting sick can be a positive thing. A forced owner absence can be good for a business. Owners work day and night to build their business and control details. As a business matures, such control may not be as necessary as you might think.
Jack Smith was a typical small business owner. He worked 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., coming home exhausted. Even though the business had become more successful, his work habits really didn’t change, they were just more spread out. He kept his fingers in many of the business’ details. He enjoyed working and it was a lot of his identify. Jack had a serious car accident. He spent two weeks in the hospital and two weeks flat on his back at home. He was too sick to go to work but finally was able to return part time. In the beginning there were lots of hugs and back slaps. As time passed, he reflected on the impact of his absence. Here are some things he discovered.