Richard Wilson: how a founder's working hour changes
In the fourth Billionaires mini-series episode, Richard described how an owner's day can change as a business develops. Better colleagues, a stronger model and greater selectivity can alter the work the founder actually does.
Selectivity follows development
Richard described moving from doing many activities to spending time on the activities the owner does best. He connected that shift to changes elsewhere in the company. A founder can choose work differently when other people can handle more of the business.
Look at the hour itself
The recording asks listeners to examine the conditions around productive work. It goes beyond counting the hours an owner works. Richard points to the people involved, the model being used and the owner's ability to focus on a useful contribution.
In Richard's words
"They might have had to do many activities and as they grew, they could focus only on the activities they were best at." (Richard C. Wilson, recorded library commentary)
How to use this
- Compare the founder's current week with the work only the founder can do well.
- Identify which team capability would allow one recurring task to move elsewhere.
Questions and answers
What changed in Richard's example?
The founder could concentrate on stronger activities as the team and business developed.
Was this a named billionaire interview?
No. It was Richard's own commentary in the mini-series.