Yes, that means you the owner. Rick and other owners we have studied here know that the buck stops on their desks but at the same time they are able to position themselves are a key player or coach rather than as the boss.

We have always said that boss is a four letter word and we mean it. Tom Gegax, founder of TirePlus confirmed this. After growing the company to $200 million in revenue, he told us how he did it.

First he said you build team by coaching via clear communication. Very few people can read your mind. You might think your spouse or partner can. However, we doubt an employee can know you so well and be in such sync with you that you can float through the business and the things you want to see happen just happen.

In the very funny movie released in 2000 called, "What Women Want," Mel Gibson played a Chicago advertising executive who was able read women's minds. This ability turned out to be a tremendous asset but sadly, most of us can't do it.

Topic for Discussion: How does Tom "do" communication?

Answer: First he tries to understand the expectations of the other person. Next he gives his instructions in clear, plain language. Third, he offers feedback. Finally, he asks the person he is working with to tell him how he is doing. This fourth step is hard because people at first are shy to tell you the truth especially if they have something negative to say. Tom says that to get true feedback from another person may mean you have to ask at least three times!

You think about it: What are your strengths and weaknesses with it comes to your communication skills? Which of these four steps do you do well? Which do you do poorly? What can you do to improve?