Now, this is been a popular topic recently.

It is, perhaps, one of the better topics to illustrate the vast differences in people's perspectives.

Small-business owners have diverse and unique perspectives...and their unique perspectives permeate the businesses they own and run. The small-business owner's perspective on work-life balance may differ from the perspectives held by his or her employees. And, work-life balance is a major piece of the fabric of business culture.

Work-life balance can be the fabric that weaves cultural excellence or cultural chaos or some in-between mediocrity.

Naturally, small-business owners favour cultural excellence over cultural chaos and cultural mediocrity.

The question is, "How do we create the cultural excellence?" And, "How does work-life balance fit in?"

Some thoughts...

The small-business owner's personal values fuel everything. They energize the small-business owner. And to the extent the small-business owner's energy is shared with followers, the followers are also energized.

Energy fuels action. The form the action takes becomes the framework of the business culture.

If the motives and actions are admirable and the culture energizes people, the result is business excellence.

In contrast, questionable motives and actions that reduce energy levels tend to breed business problems and a culture of business chaos.

When you have questions about work-life balance:

• First, check the small-business owner's personal values
• Then, check to see if the small-business owner enforces a short list of clear rules
• Then, ask the small-business owner about his or her goals and determine whether or not they are admirable
• Finally, as the litmus test, observe and decide if the small-business owner's actions energize the followers

Do all of these things before attempting to reach a judgment about work-life balance.

Do all of these things before providing recommendations about work-life balance.

Remember, work-life balance is a very personal and subjective topic. What works for you may not work for others. And, poorly-though-out and subjective advice can be intrusive, closing people's minds and causing more damage than good.