The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a retreat for successful women entrepreneurs. I had 100 reasons not to go.
My company was onboarding a large client. Regulatory policies affecting our industry were being discussed in Washington, DC. We just finished a big trade show. It was busy at home. I was tired. I didn't have time.
I wanted to refuse, but I did. And it was one of the best decisions I made all year.
As founders and leaders, if we just keep our heads down and focus on completing tasks, we miss important opportunities for big thinking. A way of thinking that leads to growth and change. This kind of thinking can impact the trajectory of a young company. Honestly, this is the kind of mindset we need as leaders, founders, and those of us who are responsible for the vision of our companies.
Here's what I learned when I took time away from my daily routine for this retreat.
Related: 5 Valuable Lessons for First-Time Entrepreneurs
1. Lessons from outside the industry are invaluable
As startups, we can often bring an important outside perspective to the industries in which we operate. We are disruptors who think differently and are not constrained by traditional norms that can slow innovation.
But then we grow and changes happen.Instead of bring up From an outside perspective, we sometimes discover ourselves In need of outside perspective. That's why it's important to spend time building important relationships with peers outside of our field.
Other innovators help us see problems (and solutions) with fresh eyes and ground us in the role of the innovator who built the company. We can learn from their experiences, even if they serve different industries.
And when colleagues from different industries come to us and ask for help getting unstuck, we need to return the favor.
2. Curiosity is contagious (and beneficial)
At Veda, we have always strived to build a culture of curiosity. But in everyday life, it can sometimes be difficult to stop and take the time to ask questions, listen to what others have to say, and learn honestly.
One of the gifts I received from the retreat I attended was a reminder of how important learning is. Yes, I learned a lot during my stay, but more importantly, I learned how much I needed to learn.
Since returning, I have already strengthened our learning culture, holding regular lunch-and-learns in the office and making sure the whole team has time to try out new technology. In other words, true learning for learning's sake. We are confident that your time will be well spent and that your team and company will benefit as a result.
Related article: 25 daily practices executives credit for contributing to their continued personal growth
3. Open peer-to-peer interactions are especially important for female founders
Female founders often face gender-based stereotypes and biases that can impact their entrepreneurial journey.
In some cases, this manifests itself in our male counterparts reacting to our ideas with prejudice. It may or may not be intentional. But there are filters that consider our ideas that can influence their adoption.
Opportunities to engage with other female founders provide an opportunity to challenge ideas that cannot be seen from a gender perspective.
4. If you keep your head down, you'll miss what's on the horizon.
When we don't look up, we end up just repeating the same space we already occupy instead of opening up to wider, bigger thoughts.
My co-founder likes to say that these incremental ideas are simply “putting more horses in the same wagon when all you need to build is a train.” We need to think several steps ahead of today's situation, and that starts with opening our minds and imaginations to imagine what's next.
5. If you're too busy, you won't be able to demonstrate leadership.
As a founder, it's important to inspire confidence, build trust, and foster collaboration. With your team, board of directors, investors, and customers. This requires taking time to reflect and think big. This self-reflection contributes to developing a strong, authentic leadership presence that resonates with colleagues, peers, and other stakeholders.
Effective leaders recognize that strategic thinking doesn't happen three days a year in off-site leadership meetings. Strategic thinking is an ongoing process and requires time throughout the year. This applies not only to entrepreneurs looking to raise their next funding round or bring a product to market, but also to senior leaders at large companies.
Related: 3 ways to build a strong female entrepreneur and investment ecosystem
my obsession
The promise I make to myself, colleagues, clients, and investors this year is to carve out time and space. That means deciding which tasks to delegate or stop altogether. I am also committed to building, nurturing, and leveraging a network of colleagues for accountability.
Like you, I have big goals for my company, and I know I won't get there if I get lost in the details. Taking time for personal and professional development will help you remember to move up.
