Years ago, a sailor friend was always just a member of the crew. He, like I, would sail for pleasure and sometimes for a race. He was quite often left immobilized by the motion of the boat. In other words, he was sea sick a lot, leaving others to sometimes critical tasks. Then he bought his own boat.
At the time, I was stunned. How could he make himself responsible for his own boat with family and friends depending on him for instruction and, at times, safety. He was never sea sick again.
In this same fashion, it is not unusual for the staff person, who at times goes home sick on busy days or buys inappropriate numbers of inventory at too high prices, to change dramatically after buying the business.
People in charge can take on new characteristics when given the helm.
I have been living in Santa Fe, with my husband of 27 years, since 2002. It is the perfect place for us. We love the environment from the mountains and desert to the people, food, and art.
I agree that people will often step up to take on added responsibilities whether in business or their personal lives. However, in the case of sailing and seasickness, taking the helm helps your eyes focus on the distance, and it’s my understanding that this is what helps prevent the mal de mer. When someone is feeling seasick, having them “drive the boat” often makes them feel better. Is it because they are in charge, or is it because their eyes are focused on the horizon?
Ellen, I know that keeping one’s eye on the horizon can help but that can help the non-boat owner as well. It was not sufficient for the man I referred to when he was not the owner, captain of the boat. It was only after he spent the money, took the helm, and focused on the horizon (it seems) that he was relieved, capable of not being sick, unable to perform.
Carrying on with the metaphor, perhaps it is keeping the business horizon in focus and being responsible that helps the new business owner.