The image of the overworked entrepreneur, chaining the days of 15 hours, is still solidly rooted. However, the most efficient entrepreneurs have adopted a radically different approach. They work less, but better. Far from being a matter of laziness, this strategy is based on optimized management of time, an intelligent delegation and an ability to step back.
Working more does not mean working better
Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of “Work more to succeed more”. However, studies show that beyond a certain threshold, productivity drops drastically. The accumulation of hours of work ends by weakening decision -making, slowing creativity and harming strategic vision.
The example of Xavier Niel, founder of Free, is revealing. Unlike the stereotypes of the hyperactive boss, it is known to avoid long working days and prefer optimized time management. His approach is based on concentration on the essentials and delegation of secondary tasks. Result: he built a telecommunications empire while retaining time for other projects.
Other entrepreneurs, such as Jean-Baptiste Rudelle, co-founder of Criteo, quickly understood that exhaustion does not lead to better performance. By rationalizing their schedule and focusing on decisions with high added value, they have managed to develop their business without sacrificing their life balance.
Delegate to relax on the essentials
The natural reflex of many entrepreneurs is to want to control everything. However, those who succeed in the long term are those who know how to delegate effectively. Entrust certain tasks to competent employees frees time and allows you to focus on what really matters: strategy, innovation and vision.
The example of Mathilde Collin, founder from the front, perfectly illustrates this approach. Very early on, she structured her business so that each employee could make decisions without depending on her. This allows him today to lead a flourishing business by working much less than the average of startup leaders.
Another emblematic case is Eric Larchevêque, co -founder of Ledger. His success is largely based on his ability to trust his team and not to get involved in each operational detail. By focusing on vision and strategic partnerships, he allowed his business to establish himself as a world leader without falling into hyperactivity.
Automate and optimize your working time
The most efficient entrepreneurs do not work less by chance: they optimized their schedule by removing unnecessary tasks and automating a maximum of processes. Automation makes it possible to considerably reduce the workload without impacting growth.
Take a step back to decide better
One of the reasons why high -performance entrepreneurs limit their working time is their need to take a step back. Taking height is essential to see opportunities and avoid rushed decisions. An entrepreneur who applies this principle is Frédéric Jousset, co -founder of Webhelp. Rather than exhausting in daily management, he structured his business so that he could focus on strategic projects and his commitment to cultural patronage.
A more profitable long -term approach
Entrepreneurs who are exhausted to the task often end up losing efficiency and motivation. Those who succeed in building solid companies in the long term are those who have understood that their role is not to be the most active, but the most strategic.
Far from being a fashion, this approach is based on concrete principles:
- Focus on tasks that have a real impact.
- Delegate everything that can be done by someone else.
- Automatize and simplify to avoid wasting time on repetitive tasks.
- Return to better analyze and anticipate market developments.
Entrepreneurs who work the least are not those who divest themselves from their project, but those who have understood that success is not measured by the number of hours behind an office, but to the relevance of the decisions taken. It’s up to you to see …
