“Letting go isn’t about losing control; it’s about empowering your team and creating a business that thrives independently. True growth happens when you step back and focus on the bigger picture.”
– Roger Knecht
In today’s fast-paced business world, many entrepreneurs find themselves juggling countless responsibilities, often believing they must personally oversee every aspect of their company to ensure success. However, this approach can lead to burnout and hinder long-term growth. Roger Knecht, President of Universal Accounting Center, is a firm advocate for the power of delegation and systemization in building thriving businesses. With decades of experience helping accounting professionals and business owners achieve sustainable growth, Roger shares invaluable strategies for letting go and trusting your team.
In this insightful interview, Roger delves into the importance of stepping back, documenting processes, and empowering employees to take ownership of their roles. He also highlights the significance of balancing professional ambitions with personal priorities, emphasizing that true success includes nurturing both business and family relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Roger’s advice offers a practical and inspiring roadmap to creating a business that doesn’t just survive—but thrives.
Thank you so much for joining us, Roger! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me, Stacey. My journey began with a deep desire to see businesses not just survive but thrive. Early in my career, I noticed a gap in how small business owners approached their operations, particularly in the accounting and financial side of things. Many struggled because they didn’t have the right systems or guidance to manage their business effectively. That realization inspired me to dedicate my career to empowering entrepreneurs and accounting professionals with the tools, training, and support they need. At Universal Accounting Center, we’ve built a platform that not only teaches technical skills like bookkeeping and tax preparation but also helps businesses focus on creating sustainable systems and processes. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work with incredible people, helping them transform their businesses into self-sustaining entities. That’s been the most rewarding part of my journey—watching others succeed and knowing I played a role in their growth.
Let’s dive into the topic of today’s discussion—learning how to let go. What does “letting go” mean to you as a business owner?
Letting go is all about building a business that isn’t dependent on you for every little thing. It means creating a system where tasks are documented, streamlined, and entrusted to others so the business can operate independently of the owner. For many entrepreneurs, their business is like their baby, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking care of it. But here’s the truth: holding onto everything prevents growth. Letting go doesn’t mean you’re stepping away entirely—it means you’re stepping into a higher role as the visionary of the business. It’s about trusting your team and the systems you’ve built so you can focus on innovation, strategy, and the future direction of the company.
Why do you think so many business owners struggle with delegation?
It often stems from a combination of passion and perfectionism. Business owners pour their hearts and souls into their companies, and that creates a sense of ownership that’s hard to relinquish. They worry that if they don’t do something themselves, it won’t be done right. There’s also the fear of mistakes—what if the person I delegate to makes a costly error? What if they don’t meet my standards? These are valid concerns, but they’re also roadblocks. Delegation requires a mindset shift. It’s not about giving up control; it’s about building trust. You can set clear expectations, provide proper training, and still maintain oversight without micromanaging. Remember, your job as a business owner is to lead, not to do everything yourself.
What’s the first step in learning to let go?
The first step is documentation. Many business owners have their processes stored in their heads, which is great for them but unhelpful for anyone else. Take the time to write down every step of a task, no matter how simple it seems. Once that’s done, move on to duplication. Train someone to follow those steps and observe how well they execute. This step helps refine the process and ensures clarity. Finally, there’s delegation. This is where you hand over full responsibility for the task to someone else, trusting that they can handle it. These three steps—document, duplicate, delegate—create a solid foundation for letting go. It’s a process that requires effort upfront but pays off tremendously in the long run.
How should business owners handle situations where employees achieve results but use different methods?
That’s an excellent question because it touches on one of the biggest hurdles in delegation: letting go of how things are done. Business owners often want tasks done their way because that’s how they’ve always done them. But the reality is that the method doesn’t matter as much as the outcome. If the employee achieves the same result—meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, and satisfying the customer—then their approach is valid. In fact, it could even be better. I’ve seen situations where team members have introduced new tools or shortcuts that save time and money. Being open to different methods not only builds trust with your team but also fosters innovation within your company.
Can you share an example of when you embraced a new approach?
Absolutely. A great example involves my son. Recently, we were working on a camper repair and needed to identify a specific part. My instinct was to search through Google and compare images—a time-consuming process. My son, on the other hand, used ChatGPT. He simply uploaded a photo of the part and received the information instantly. His approach was faster, more efficient, and something I wouldn’t have thought of. It was a humbling experience but also a valuable reminder to stay open-minded. The younger generation often brings fresh perspectives and tools that can enhance how we work.
What benefits do business owners gain by letting go?
The benefits are immense. First and foremost, letting go allows you to step back and focus on the bigger picture—planning for growth, strategizing for the future, and exploring new opportunities. It also reduces stress. When you’re not bogged down by daily tasks, you have more mental clarity and energy to think creatively. Additionally, it builds a stronger team. When employees are trusted to take ownership of their work, they feel more engaged and empowered. Letting go creates a ripple effect that improves efficiency, fosters innovation, and ultimately leads to a more successful business.
You’ve mentioned the importance of sacrifice in achieving success. Can you elaborate?
Sacrifice is a fundamental part of success. To achieve something meaningful, you often have to give up something else—whether it’s time, comfort, or certain activities. For instance, you might need to work late nights or miss a family event to meet a critical deadline. It’s not easy, and it requires discipline, but the rewards are worth it. That being said, it’s important to strike a balance. Sacrifice doesn’t mean neglecting your health or personal relationships. It’s about making intentional choices to prioritize what matters most at any given moment.
How can business owners balance their personal lives while growing a business?
Communication and intentionality are key. Let your loved ones know they are a priority, even when your schedule is packed. Small gestures like a quick call or scheduling quality time can make a big difference. It’s also important to set boundaries. While you may need to work late sometimes, try to carve out non-negotiable moments for your family. Remember, your business is a means to an end—it’s there to support your life, not take over it.
How can a business owner overcome setbacks when hiring or training employees?
Setbacks are inevitable, especially when you’re building a team. Training takes time, and not every hire will work out. The key is to view setbacks as learning opportunities. Reflect on what went wrong—was it a lack of clarity in the job description, insufficient training, or a mismatch in values? Adjust your processes accordingly. Patience is also essential. It can take months for a new hire to fully integrate into their role, so give them the time and support they need to succeed.
How does mindset play a role in letting go?
Mindset is everything. Letting go requires a shift in perspective. Instead of seeing delegation as a loss of control, view it as an opportunity to empower your team and grow your business. A growth-oriented mindset helps you stay open to new ideas, adapt to challenges, and focus on the bigger picture. It’s about believing in your team and trusting that they can rise to the occasion.
What is the Universal Accounting Center, and how does it support business owners?
Universal Accounting Center is a post-secondary school designed to help accounting professionals and business owners succeed. We offer training in bookkeeping, tax preparation, and advisory services, as well as courses in marketing, sales, and business development. Our goal is to help our clients build profitable, self-sustaining businesses. Through our coaching division, Universal Business Builder, we work directly with business owners to implement strategies for growth and efficiency. It’s all about giving people the tools and confidence to excel.
What advice would you give to someone hesitant about letting go?
Start small. Delegate one task at a time and monitor the results. As you see the benefits, you’ll build confidence in the process. Remember, letting go is a journey, not a one-time event. Celebrate small wins along the way and trust that the effort will pay off in the long run.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I’d love to connect with your readers on LinkedIn—just mention this interview. You can also visit universalaccounting.com for free resources, e-books, and tools to help grow your business. And don’t forget to check out my podcast, Building the Premier Accounting Firm, for actionable insights on business success.
Thank you so much, Roger, for sharing your valuable insights with us today. Your advice will surely inspire many business owners.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been a pleasure to be here and share these ideas. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with your audience.
Don’t miss this compelling episode with Roger Knecht, where he explores the art of delegation, shares actionable steps to build a self-sustaining business, and provides valuable tips on balancing success and personal priorities—tune in now! Listen here.
