As loan officers, we build our businesses on the foundation of strong relationships.
These connections—with team members, partners, vendors, and clients—are vital to our success.
But what happens when we hold on to a relationship past its natural course? What once served as a pillar of growth can start to weigh us down.
Think of it like keeping milk in the fridge for too long. When it’s fresh, it’s nourishing and valuable. But try to stretch its life beyond what’s natural, and it turns rancid and lumpy.
Relationships are no different.
Here’s what I’ve noticed in my own journey:
1. Stalled Progress: I’ve worked with team members and vendors who were incredible assets during a particular phase of my business.
But as my goals evolved, their contributions no longer aligned with what was needed. Holding on out of loyalty only stalled progress for both of us.
2. Emotional Decision-Making: Let’s be honest, letting go is hard. We’re often driven by a sense of obligation, guilt, or even nostalgia.
But leadership requires us to put emotions aside and make decisions that align with our vision and goals.
3. The Cost of Bottlenecks: When relationships become bottlenecks, they don’t just slow you down—they can also frustrate your team, delay projects, and create unnecessary stress.
Recognizing this early is key to avoiding long-term setbacks.
Letting go of a relationship, whether it’s with a team member, partner, or process, doesn’t have to be harsh. In fact, some of the most impactful transitions I’ve made have been handled with kindness and respect.
Here’s what’s worked for me:
A. Put on the Right Hat: I once heard a great analogy: “We need to have a conversation, and I’m taking off the brother-in-law hat and putting on the CEO hat.”
Approach the situation with the appropriate mindset. Be clear about your role in the conversation.
B. Be Honest and Transparent: Explain how the relationship has evolved and why changes are necessary. When handled respectfully, these conversations often lead to mutual understanding.
C. Offer Support for the Transition: If someone has been loyal to you, honor their contributions.
Help them explore new opportunities, provide recommendations, or ensure they feel appreciated as they move on.
D. Stay Focused on Your Vision: Remember, these decisions are about growth.
By staying aligned with your vision, you create room for fresh energy and opportunities that will propel your business forward.
Reflect on Your Own Journey
Take a moment to reflect on your current relationships. Are there any that might be holding you back from reaching your full potential?
It could be a team member who hasn’t grown with your business, a vendor whose services no longer fit your needs, or even a process that’s outdated.
Ask yourself: Am I holding on out of loyalty, or is this relationship still valuable to my goals?
The truth is, growth often requires change. By recognizing when it’s time to let go, you’re not just serving yourself—you’re also creating opportunities for others to thrive in new environments.
Leadership isn’t always easy, but it’s about making the right decisions, even when they’re tough. Letting go with kindness and respect isn’t just good leadership—it’s the key to unlocking your next level of success.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to take action today. Look at your relationships, processes, and systems with fresh eyes. Where can you create space for growth?
