You have done it. You started your own small business. Congratulations in launching a business and becoming a business owner. But success never finds the wrong person, so how do you transition from business owner to successful business leader.
As a first step in tackling this challenge I want you to honestly answer a few probing questions:
– Do you enjoy coming to work everyday and do you enjoy the people you hired to work with you?
– Have you created a good culture and positive environment for yourself and your employees?
– Do your employees feel comfortable coming to you with questions or problems?
– Do you have all or most of the right people in the right jobs working in your business?
– Are you confident about the future of the business?
If you answered yes and feel good about most of these questions, then you are already on your way to becoming an effective leader. But what if you answered no to some questions or you weren't sure? Then you would be in good company as the majority of business owners would be answering the same. Don't feel bad, you have already done a lot. Your answers only mean that you're an owner who needs to grow as a leader.
Most entrepreneurs have their hands so full it is easy to forget about the importance of being an effective leader in your business. In a small business daily challenges and details can bog you down; you forget that your employees need your time and attention.
So where do you stand? Think you could use some help to become a better leader? Start with thinking more about your people. Here are some pointers to help you become an effective small business leader:
– All employees should know the strategic goals and vision of the company. If you make everything important at you small business, then nothing is.
– As the leader, you need to help your employees feel empowered. Tell them how important they are–not just their position.
– If you catch your employees doing something right, praise them for it. Recognition goes a long way toward building a loyal workforce.
– Communicate with everyone in your company in a variety of ways on a regular basis, not just every now and then.
– Create a sense of pride in your employees by asking them for their opinions.
– When it comes to your emotions, remember to respond to your employees rather than react to them. Showing a genuine response lets employees know that you are a team.
Becoming a successful leader of your small business is a learning process that never ends. Great leaders know this and are constantly seeking leadership education. If you want to learn to become a great leader, consider these additional tips:
– Be open to critical self-assessment when it comes to your leadership skills.
– Be willing to grow personally and professionally by learning new skills. Hire a business coach who will provide discreet counsel and be a mentor to you, read leadership books, do research and constantly evaluate your development.
– Focus on what will have the biggest impact on individual, team and your company performance.
John F. Kennedy said “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” Successful small business leaders evolve and when each of your employees understands and contributes to the vision, then distractions diminish, mistakes are few and everyone remains engaged and productive. And you have arrived as a small business leader.