Originally published April 17, 2009.
Not many people know this but each Friday night, I empty the office trash. Every desk and every trash can.
Our employees know this and others close to EAG know this, but it’s not been general knowledge, nor need it be. When there were just two of us in our basement, it made sense. When we moved into our office space, I continued to do it because it was easy and inexpensive. Then it became symbolic.
Now, we are preparing to move to even larger office space in a few months and I am contemplating, “do I still need to take out the trash?”
I think so. If not literally, then figuratively.
When we took on the challenge of working with small businesses we knew the risk. Some wouldn’t survive. And some haven’t. Initially it was traumatic but the loss was real and we came to understand it.
Now, three years later in our office and five years later as a business we’ve come to understand why many businesses fail. The owners stop taking out the trash. As a small business owner there are responsibilities, task, and duties – whatever you want to call them – which nobody else wants to do. As the owner, you have to do them. Taking out the trash just might be one of them.
The business owner whose arrogance, ego or pride doesn’t allow them to ‘get dirty’ is sending a message to employees that the job is easy. For small business owners the margin is narrow. To get the most of your employees you must demonstrate that you, the business owner, will do whatever it takes for the business to succeed.
I don’t expect my employees to take out the trash. I do that.
I do expect them to understand that small business owners will do whatever it takes to create jobs and a work environment that provides a valued quality of life for all.
November 2015 Update:
Over six years later I no longer take out the trash and haven’t for quite some time. We’ve hired a very competent small business to take on this task so I can concentrate on more important things like making sure the refrigerator is clean. I still remember why it’s important for the owner to occasionally take out the trash.