Projects and sales opportunities are too complicated and fast changing to force all decisions back to the office. The front line people must have some leeway to make timely decisions. They must understand how decisions are properly made. They must have access to the information needed for a sound, well aligned decision.

Condition #6: Value Your Employees
I repeat: you can't have a great business without building a great team. This is a stumbling block for most small business owners. The ego that let them, forced them, to set out on their own gets in the way of team building.

Small business owners often make the foolish assumption that workers are a necessary evil. In their hearts and minds, they devalue their employees. That attitude ends up revealing itself to the staff, de-motivates them, and gives them reason to either:

1. Find greener pastures.
2. Turn into ROAD warriors (Retired On Active Duty)

Turnover is damaging enough. The cost of unmotivated workers (ROAD Warriors: Retired On Active Duty) is far higher.

Owners who devalue their employees suffer high turnover and a foot dragging work force. Owners who treat their employees with respect end up with an easy-to-manage team that consistently outperforms the competition.