Managing a business should be about direction, planning and development – not about getting bogged down in it daily operations. However, if you are struggling with urgent work, stress and no personal life, then it is time to reclaim your life.

Here are 10 powerful strategies to make sure you're in control of your business and not the other way around.

Related: Does your professional life dominate your personal life? Here's what it really takes to change that.

1. Clarify roles and goals

The first key to regaining control of your business lies in ensuring that every team member understands precisely what is expected of him or her and what are the goalposts. Where the roles and goals of those involved are clearly defined, there is reduced confusion, fewer mistakes and improved accountability. It also allows your team to own their work, so they make most of the decisions without having to consult you.

An action overview: Periodically, you should always look at your roles and goals and determine if they are still relevant to your business. Make sure everyone stays on the same page in terms of the company's strategic goals and objectives.

2. Build foolproof systems

Business systems are the foundation of any efficient organization. If you don't have them, you will run from one crisis to another. Eliminating waste in these areas means you are able to eliminate potential mistakes in key operations such as recruiting new staff or handling customers.

An action overview: Look for sample assignments and automate work processes that contain them. It is recommended to document these processes and also look for ways to optimize them as much as possible.

3. Delegate responsibilities, not just tasks

Delegation is not just about assigning work; it's about empowering people to take responsibility and be accountable for results. Delegating responsibility involves transferring full authority to your team members and allowing them to work on tasks independently from start to finish. This not only eases your burden, but also contributes to strengthening your team and their confidence.

An action overview: Start with small tasks and give your team members as much support as possible to make sure they succeed. Delegate as much responsibility as possible and empower your team to resolve issues themselves.

4. Empowerment of decision-making

If you find that your business cannot function properly without your intervention, it is time to delegate responsibilities. This does not mean a waiver of responsibility in its entirety, but it does imply delegation of decision-making authority to employees. Decision-making protocols also increase efficiency as they eliminate time-wasting procedures.

An action overview: Encourage only people who are involved in the decision-making process to attend meetings, define the purpose and goal of the meeting in advance, and use project management tools to share information with other members without having to report it to them.

Related: How to replace yourself in your business without losing control

5. Measure what matters

Not all parameters can be compared with each other or with existing standards. To put your business on the right track, always pay attention Core KPIs that are relevant to your operations. These should be directly related to your business objectives and should provide information that can inform your business operations.

An action overview: Select only a few strategic KPIs that must be met to achieve the defined goals. Track these metrics to analyze progress and make necessary changes in strategy.

6. Direct communication

Communication is crucial, but when done in excess, it becomes detrimental to the growth of your business. Unstructured communication through daily meetings, lengthy email threads, and constant follow-ups hinder productivity and creativity. Effective communicationso, it means eliminating all the unnecessary and leaving only the important.

An action overview: Avoid inviting unnecessary people, be specific about what needs to be discussed and decided during a meeting, and make sure everyone who needs to be in the loop is updated using project management software instead of calling a meeting about it purpose.

7. Encourage innovation

Innovation is necessary to remain relevant in the market, but it is not a process that can be left to chance. You need to create an environment in which your team members are motivated to come up with innovative ideas and solutions. When innovation is a goal, there is an opportunity to change and move forward in business.

An action overview: Encourage risk taking and learning from mistakes in order to create a the culture of innovation. Encourage creative thinking and provide the tools and guidance needed to make such ideas a reality.

8. Set up regular checkpoints

Despite good systems and a great team, it's important to have routine meetings to ensure everyone is on track. These are not checkpoints to micromanage, but to make sure you're on track to achieve your goals and make corrections where necessary.

An action overview: Schedule meetings between all team members so they can discuss their progress and concerns. These are good opportunities to discuss successes and setbacks and remind everyone of the project's goals and priorities.

9. Devote time to strategy

The biggest mistake any businessperson can make is to become consumed by business operations and end up with no time to think about the future. Without strategic objectives, your business is likely to become directionless. To effectively manage your business, you need to set aside a specific time to focus on the long term strategic planning.

An action overview: Schedule time for strategic thinking and avoid filling the entire day with meetings and other activities. This is the time for you to look at your business and chart a new direction and future opportunities.

Related: Managing Every Single Task Is a Trap for Business Owners – Here's How I Went From Doing Everything to Doing What Matters

10. Trust and go back

Finally, it is essential to have trust in your team and let them do the work. This is usually the most challenging aspect of the entire process for most business owners, but it is essential for sustainability. When you delegate, you free yourself to focus on more strategic activities that will help advance your business.

An action overview: First, delegate more responsibility and then slowly begin to distance yourself from day-to-day management. Trust that your colleagues can complete tasks without your intervention.

The idea of ​​running a business should enable you to lead, create and develop – far from making you feel overwhelmed by work and pressure. By following these ten steps, you'll be able to regain control of your business and build a culture that empowers your team, grows your business, and allows you the time and stress-free environment to enjoy the process. As a reminder, your business is in place to support you, not the other way around.