Let’s cut to the chase: When was the last time you sat down and took an honest, objective look at your own performance as a business owner?

Sure, you’ll review your sales numbers, check in on your team, and maybe even reassess your goals. But when was the last time you sat down and asked yourself:

“How would I rate myself if I were my own boss? Would I hire or fire myself?”

It’s a tough question—and that’s exactly why so many avoid it.

The truth is, skipping this kind of self-assessment is a massive disservice to your business and yourself. You are the CEO, even if you are the only employee! Your habits, decisions, and mindset directly determine your success. If you’re not willing to hold yourself accountable, who will?

The Avoidance Problem

 

Most small business owners don’t take the time to reflect on their own performance because it’s uncomfortable. It’s far easier to blame external circumstances—market changes, staffing challenges, or even the economy—than to look in the mirror and ask:

      • Did I lead effectively?
      • Did I make decisions in alignment with my long-term vision, or did I get distracted?
      • Did I show up as the kind of boss my business needs and deserves?

Without answering these questions honestly, you risk falling into dangerous patterns:

Lack of Growth:

Your business can’t grow either if you aren’t growing as a leader. Personal stagnation leads to professional stagnation.

Repeating Mistakes:

Without reflection, you’re doomed to repeat the same missteps, often without even realizing it.

Losing Credibility:

If your leadership falters, your team, clients, or collaborators may notice before you do. This can erode trust and hurt your business’s reputation.

Would You Pass Your Own Performance Review?

 

Think about this: corporations hold every employee accountable for their role, including the CEO. Boards of directors conduct annual reviews to ensure the CEO is leading effectively and making decisions that align with the company’s goals.

As a small business owner, you are the CEO of your business. If you don’t hold yourself to the same standard, who will?

Here’s a question to consider:

If you were your own boss, would you keep yourself on the payroll?

If the honest answer is “I’m not sure” or “probably not,” it’s time for a change.

How to Conduct Your Own Self-Performance Review

 

1. Ask the Hard Questions

Start by reflecting on your role as the leader of your business:

  • How effectively did I manage my time and energy this year?
  • Did I follow through on my commitments?
  • Where did I fall short, and why?
  • Did I take ownership of challenges, or did I deflect blame?

2. Rate Yourself Honestly

Imagine you’re the boss evaluating an employee. Be objective and answer:

  • Competence: Did I have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed this year?
  • Accountability: Did I deliver results consistently?
  • Leadership: Did I inspire confidence and set a clear vision?
  • Effort: Did I give my best, or did I coast when things got tough?

3. Identify Patterns

Look for recurring themes. Are there habits or tendencies that repeatedly hold you back? Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking them.

4. Get Feedback

Even CEOs have boards to provide accountability. If you’re a solopreneur, find a mentor, coach, or trusted peer who can give you honest feedback about your performance. Sometimes, others can see what you’re too close to notice.

5. Create an Improvement Plan

Use the insights from your review to set specific goals for yourself as a leader. Maybe you need to delegate more, improve your decision-making, or invest in personal development.

The Power of Honest Self-Reflection

 

Taking the time to review your own performance isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about not sticking your head in the sand and taking ownership. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. But once you identify where you’ve fallen short, you can take action to improve.

Think of it this way: if you had a struggling employee, you wouldn’t fire them without a conversation, right? You’d give them feedback, set clear expectations, and provide resources to help them succeed.

Why not offer yourself the same opportunity?

Your Business Deserves the Best Version of You

 

At the end of the day, your business can only be as strong as the person leading it. By conducting a yearly self-performance review, you’re not just improving yourself—you’re investing in the success and sustainability of your business.

So, ask yourself:

“If I were my own boss, would I hire or fire myself?”

And if the answer isn’t what you want it to be, let’s talk. The future of your business depends on it.

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