Why Half-Hearted Leadership is Sabotaging Your Business Growth
- Sarah Beth Herman
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
Written by Sarah Beth Herman, CEO and Mentor to Growth-Minded Founders
Let’s be honest: most entrepreneurs don’t start their businesses intending to play it safe. But somewhere between launch and leadership, many find themselves stuck in limbo. One foot in the mission. One foot in a backup plan.
As a small business mentor, I’ve seen it over and over. The dream is real, the talent is strong, but the commitment? Divided.
That’s what we’re unpacking in Episode 82 of No Silver Spoons. But before you hit play, this blog post is your warm-up. Your chance to ask the hard questions and lay the groundwork for full-throttle growth.
If you’ve been building something halfway—or leading with the brakes on—this one’s for you.
Are You All In—Or Just Close Enough?
You might be a coach, a content creator, a solopreneur, or a small business owner managing a growing team. Maybe you’re running a boutique studio, an online membership, or launching your second product line.
On the outside, it all looks good. But inside, you’re still wondering:
Should I take that corporate consulting contract just in case this launch flops?
Should I keep that old business name in case I need to pivot again?
Should I hold onto that client I’ve outgrown because they’re still paying?
That’s not caution—it’s a lack of clarity.
We don’t call it what it is. We tell ourselves we’re just being smart. But truthfully? Most small business owners are operating with one hand on the emergency exit.
And that’s why momentum keeps slipping through your fingers.
The Exit Plan That’s Holding You Back
There’s a difference between wise planning and fear-based leadership. One is rooted in vision. The other is rooted in scarcity.
Many small business owners don’t realize they’re still holding onto emotional exit strategies:
Staying connected to old brands or platforms that no longer reflect where they’re going
Delaying key hires because of fear around finances
Keeping side hustles that are draining their energy and clarity
Avoiding real delegation because “no one can do it like me”
Hesitating to invest in mentorship, strategy, or visibility
It’s one thing to have options. It’s another to keep yourself small because you’re scared to commit.
How Divided Leadership Affects Your Team and Audience
Whether you lead a small team, a community, or a growing personal brand—your audience notices your energy.
People can tell when you’re not all in. Your assistant can feel it. Your clients can feel it. Your team stops showing up with excellence when they sense you might not stick around.
If you’ve ever hired a virtual mentor, attended a business leadership workshop, or brought in a public speaker for your event, you know the difference between someone who’s halfway in and someone who owns the room.
That presence isn’t magic. It’s commitment.
Burning the ships is about removing your own emotional lifeboats. When you do, your team rises, your brand solidifies, and your growth accelerates.
You Can’t Scale While Holding Back
You’re probably not lacking in talent or skill. You’re likely not even lacking in strategy.
What you’re lacking is permission to go all in.
I’ve spoken at conferences, coached CEOs, mentored women scaling multi-six-figure businesses—and across every industry, I see the same pattern. They grow fast until they hit the edge of their own belief. That’s when fear starts calling the shots again.
You cannot build a business on survival energy. You cannot scale while babysitting your doubts.
And you certainly can’t lead others while second-guessing yourself.
What It Looks Like to Burn the Ships in Business
In practical terms, burning the ships might look like:
Saying no to contracts that no longer align—even if they pay well
Delegating your admin work to a virtual assistant or operations team
Finally investing in a small business coach to move you forward
Letting go of that client who keeps pushing your boundaries
Rebranding with intention—even if it means starting fresh
Burning the ships doesn’t mean you blow up your business. It means you stop feeding what’s not growing.
You get honest. You get clear. You go all in.
A Quick Reflection Before You Hit Play
Before diving into Episode 82 of No Silver Spoons, take a moment and ask yourself:
Where am I still holding on to something that’s keeping me small?
What safety net do I need to release so I can finally lead?
What conversation, decision, or investment have I been putting off?
Where do I need to show up like the leader I already am?
Write them down. Say them out loud. Call your mentor and talk them through. This isn’t fluff work—it’s foundational.
Leadership Is a Decision, Not a Title
The greatest business breakthroughs don’t come from perfect funnels or viral content. They come from decision. From clarity. From presence.
People follow certainty. They buy from it. They align with it.
And in your business, you are the one setting the tone.
You are the public speaker of your brand whether you take a stage or not. You’re the mentor to your team whether you have that in your bio or not. You are the energy behind every client touchpoint, proposal, launch, and email.
So how are you showing up?
Still looking over your shoulder? Or fully present in what you’ve been called to build?
Don’t Confuse Rest with Retreat
Burnout is real. But don’t mistake exhaustion for misalignment.
Sometimes you’re just tired because you’ve been trying to grow something while holding back emotionally.
When you go all in, you don’t need to hustle harder. You lead smarter.
Burning the ships allows you to clear mental clutter and prioritize your time, energy, and team.
You start scheduling in rest, not guilt. You create focus, not just tasks. You lead with direction instead of doubt.
And your business begins to reflect your belief—not just your bandwidth.
If You’re Ready to Go All In
Whether you’re a small business owner growing your team, a keynote speaker ready to expand your reach, or a service provider ready to step into a bigger space—this moment matters.
You’ve done hard things before. You’ve built through uncertainty. And right now, you’re being asked to choose courage again.
Not by chance, but by choice.
Episode 82 of No Silver Spoons is going to walk you through what burning the ships looks like from the inside out. We’ll talk belief, business structure, team trust, and the emotional grit required to lead.
But don’t go in half-hearted.
Pause here. Reflect. Decide. And then listen with intention.
Want to Take This Further?
I work with small business owners, emerging leaders, and powerhouse women through mentorship, workshops, and virtual coaching containers. Whether you’re looking for a business coach, a conference speaker, or a virtual mentor to walk beside you—I’ve created spaces for exactly that.
Your leadership deserves more than lukewarm. You were built for bold.
Let’s burn the ships.
References
This training was informed by current small business trends, SEO resources, and leadership tools relevant to entrepreneurship in 2025:
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Readers should consult with appropriate professionals for specific advice tailored to their circumstances. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of information and references; however, errors may occur. If you notice any inaccuracies or would like to suggest updates, please contact us at hey@sarahbethherman.com. © 2025 Sarah Beth Herman. All Rights Reserved. By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. This post may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. References included where known. Please email hey@sarahbethherman.com to report missing attributions or inaccuracies
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