I found myself driving more than usual this past weekend, including a trip to downtown San Diego to see Wicked (great show!). As I cruised along the freeway at 70 miles per hour, I started thinking about how much trust exists between drivers. One unexpected lane change or sudden brake forces everyone nearby to react. Many accidents could be avoided if everyone simply stayed in their lane.
Small businesses operate similarly. A sudden shift in direction can create inefficiencies, confusion, or unnecessary risk. Success often depends on clarity, consistency, and trust—trusting employees to do their jobs, trusting systems to function efficiently, and trusting outside experts when projects fall beyond internal expertise. A well-run business stays focused on its strengths, making deliberate choices that align with its long-term vision.
Can vs. Should
Small business owners are natural problem-solvers, frequently asked: Can this be done?. The answer is often yes. But can and should are two different questions.
A company can expand into a new market, but should it? A small business owner can take on more responsibilities, but is that the best use of time? A business can accept new work for a large customer, but is it scalable, or is it a one-time, resource-heavy project?
Taking on too much may stretch resources thin, create inefficiencies, and dilute expertise. Some of the most successful businesses recognize that growth does not come from doing everything alone, but from trusting the right people. It is okay to ask for help.
Opportunity Cost
Every decision carries an opportunity cost. Expanding into a new market may divert resources from refining and leveraging existing services. A new product line may stretch teams too thin, affecting quality. A leader managing every detail rather than delegating may slow progress instead of accelerating it.
Saying yes to one thing often means saying no to something else. Staying in the lane provides clarity on where focus is most valuable.
Focus on Vision
A driver constantly switching lanes without a destination wastes time and energy. Businesses that chase trends or short-term gains without a clear vision may do the same.
Strong organizations often grow not by trying to be everything to everyone, but by refining their strengths and expanding from a position of expertise. Just as an Italian restaurant would not suddenly start serving sushi, a service-based company may not benefit from taking on unrelated work simply because a client asks.
Trusting strengths—and trusting others to contribute theirs—can lead to sustainable growth. Businesses that scale successfully often do so by leveraging what they already do well rather than constantly pivoting into the unknown.
Conclusion
Successful businesses may not just ask what is possible. They consider what is best for both the present and the future. Purpose-driven leaders know that staying in the lane does not have to limit opportunities; it can create space for the right opportunities.
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