Why My Lip Gloss Addiction Taught Me a Business Lesson

Have you ever noticed how addicted I am to chapstick? Well, it’s time you find out why.

Growing up, my mom raised my older sister, my brother, and me as a single parent. My brother, a bit of a handful, went to live with my dad when I was just 7 years old. From then on, it was me, my mom, and my sister.

I was a total mama’s boy, following my mom’s every move. And one of her habits stuck with me—her constant use of Carmex lip gloss. She always carried it with her and would generously share it with me, often asking, “Do you need some lip gloss?” Sometimes she’d even call it “lippy gloss.”

And of course, I’d say yes. Every day, without fail, I used lip gloss. This little routine turned into a lifelong addiction to keeping my lips moisturized.

Fast forward to when I was 16. One night, while out with friends, my lips felt unbearably dry. I casually asked, “Does anyone have any lip gloss?”

Cue the blank stares and laughter.

“You mean chapstick?” one of them asked.

It was a lightbulb moment for me. My normal wasn’t everyone else’s normal. What I’d grown up calling “lip gloss” was what most people referred to as “chapstick.”

The Business Lesson Hidden in Lip Gloss

This simple story about lip gloss highlights a powerful truth: your normal isn’t everyone else’s normal—especially in business.

Entrepreneurs often struggle with this concept when managing teams. Why? Because what’s second nature to you might be completely foreign to someone else.

Many entrepreneurs are visionary leaders but not necessarily great managers. They assume their team members will just "get it." But the truth is, if your team members thought like you, they’d probably be running their own business, not working for yours.

So, how do you bridge the gap between your normal and theirs?

The Key to Team Success

To set your team members up for success, you need to provide them with the tools and structure they need:

1. Have a Clear Plan
   When hiring someone, outline their responsibilities, expectations, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

2. Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
   Detail every task, process, and workflow so your team knows exactly what to do and how to do it.

3. Provide Scorecards
   Give them measurable goals so they can track their progress and know when they’re succeeding.

Remember, it’s your job to help your team thrive by preparing them, guiding them, and empowering them.

And Maybe Some Lip Gloss (or Chapstick)

The next time you catch yourself frustrated with a team member’s performance, take a step back. Are you expecting them to share your "normal"?

Instead of complaining, focus on creating a system that bridges the gap between your knowledge and theirs. That’s how you’ll grow your business—and maybe pass along a quirky habit or two, like lip gloss. 😊

-Ryan Lee

# lip gloss addiction, leadership lessons, business growth, managing teams, SOPs, entrepreneurship #