Our Two Hats
In small businesses it is often a reality that shareholders and directors are the same people. We are taught that the company is a separate entity, but that the people influence the culture. Ultimately the entity serves people, who thus have a vested interest in its success.
This is all fine and well theoretically, but when the roles are not vested in separate people, these conflicts may result in failure. So, what to do if this is your reality?!
My advice would be this – I have learnt a simple rule. Segment the roles in your mind.
Critically think which functions and decisions all in which role. In other words, is it an operational issue ? Then it is a decision for a director forum. If it is an investment question – then it is about shareholding and falls there.