Conventional wisdom says to work in the business, not in the business. That sounds like good advice, but is there more to it? Michael Gerber's book The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It discusses how business owners make this common mistake and how to avoid it.

For those who need a little refresher, working in business is all about getting things done. This includes the things a business owner might do every day, such as hiring, creating a product, or actually providing a service.

Small business owners often wear many hats, so they can do all of those things and more. Working in business means being strategic, envisioning the big picture, implementing systems or escalation and company growth. Undoubtedly, this is important work for the long-term sustainability of the operation.

It is very common for business owners to work crazy hours. Many will tell you that it is necessary, but they also enjoy the work.

gallop found that 39% of business owners worked over 60 hours a week. or STUDY from OnDeck found that “only 57% of small business owners take vacations.” With these statistics in mind, it's easy to see why so many articles offer to help entrepreneurs break bad habits, break free from the drudgery of work, and delegate more to employees.

In short, work in business. I would argue that it is easy to tell business owners that they need to change the way they operate, and some business owners become quite enamored with the idea that they neither need nor ought to do certain kinds of work. After all, why should an owner work to create a sales pitch? Or deal with a customer emergency? Aren't there “people” to do that?

Maybe, but is there a healthy one balance between work in and business? This balance will vary based on the operation, but I believe that business owners and managers need to be intentionally drawn back into the business from time to time. Working in business can have great benefits.

Consider the popular reality show undercover boss, which debuted in 2010 on CBS. Companies such as 7-Eleven, Waste Management and others appeared, and opinions of the show varied dramatically. Some say it was “too good to be true.” Others thought it was exciting and true. One thing it showed, and I've seen firsthand, are the issues that arise when you spend too much time in the “boardroom” rather than in the business.

Here are three important benefits of going back to business.

1. Improved communication

Communication can be one of the most important tasks of a leader. A business works best when it is owned communicate regularly, clearly and concisely. But it's just as important to take the time to listen. Think water cooler conversations along with deeper interactions. When business owners aren't available and accessible, it's easy to miss red flags. It is easy to assume that work is being done, products and services are being produced to meet needs, or that customers are satisfied.

In the early years of my business, I had a period where I was traveling a lot and obviously didn't spend as much time communicating with staff. As a result, I did not realize that an employee was actually harassing other employees while I was away. It only came to my attention when there was an incident with a contractor. I fired the employee, but it taught me a great lesson about the value of being accessible and taking the time to connect and communicate. When you spend time in the operation, you can see how people interact. Ask questions and build relationships with people at all levels of the operation. People need to hear from leaders and have the opportunity to be heard. Being present keeps communication flowing, builds trust and helps avoid miscommunication.

Connected: How effective communication increases employee productivity

2. Greater visibility

It's easy to get caught up in business work and spend hours in the office thinking and planning. I believe that owners need to get out and be visible – “walk the floor”. When you show up, you are setting an example and showing the importance of their work. Attend a meeting and just say hello. Wear PPE and tour the factory floor. It's amazing how security becomes more important when the owner is visible. This increased visibility is good for employee morale and engagement. And that's good for business because it shows you're holding people accountable.

Back in business also means greater visibility with customers. In my case, I find time to shoot videos and reconnect with clients. Of course, I have people whose job it is to do that work, but it gives me a chance to reconnect. In a time when many interactions are virtual, it makes a big impression when you try to be face-to-face. What you learn is really valuable when you sit down to work in business.

3. Practical learning

Business is always changing and what worked in the past may not be what drives the business forward. This is why so many have embraced the idea lifelong learning. I'll go one step further and say there's no better way to learn than to get back into the business, get your hands dirty, and actually do the work. Learn a new software program. Or build a product. Of course, this is not always possible, but you can work together with employees to understand their challenges and the resources they need. When a business owner takes the time to learn new things hands-on, he encourages everyone to learn and grow. The result is a business that can compete with the best.

Connected: Why is lifelong learning the key to entrepreneurial success?

The bottom line is that for business owners, being too far out of business is problematic. Not spending enough time on strategy is dangerous. Balance is the best approach.