Most small business owners probably consider themselves to be good role models. However, being a good role model isn't something that just happens; it occurs through learned skills and being self-aware of your responsibilities and how you are perceived by your employees. A business that lacks a positive role model can find itself with a disillusioned, jaded workforce that justifies their negative attitude and lack of enthusiasm by pointing the finger at the man or woman in charge.
Below are some basic tips that can help you improve your leadership skills and ensure you provide your employees with a good example to follow.
Attributes such as providing unambiguous and clear instruction, being a straight talker and not avoiding the tough decisions are all invaluable. If you do these things consistently your credibility among employees will be solid. It will help to create a loyal workforce where people know what is expected of them and feel secure in the knowledge the person in charge is trustworthy and level-headed. If you fail to follow up your words with actions, or display inconsistent habits in other areas of your job, you leave yourself open to indirect or direct accusations of being dishonest or misleading. This can have negative consequences in all areas of your business.
This is a fundamental aspect of a workplace that many business owners strive to achieve yet fail to bring about. If you are open with your workforce, explaining key targets and standards to everyone, you immediately create a transparent atmosphere where team members know how they are expected to perform and what the company's goals are. There can be no excuses and everyone should be held equally accountable. As the owner you are the biggest indicator of your commitment to equality in the workplace. You can lead by example whether that means answering the phone, going out on a visit to one of your less profitable clients or arriving at the office on time every day.
Empowerment
While you need to maintain a certain authority over your operations it is vital that your employees are given room to grow in their roles and are also able to contribute to the decision making process. By delegating some authority you will empower your staff members and they will work more effectively with greater confidence. Attempting to micromanage all aspects of your business not only creates a stressful environment for workers, it will also make your job much harder. You can also empower your staff by providing opportunities to improve skills through training in areas they have a particular interest in.
As the owner of a business the buck ultimately stops with you. This means you will have to make tough decisions and these are the moments when your courage will be put to the test. Letting go of employees, dealing with difficult clients and managers of other companies, or informing your team they have lost a large contract or missed a key target are not pleasant aspects of the job. But at the same time, if handled correctly you can turn these moments into worthwhile experiences by displaying your willingness to lead, face the difficulties head on and be realistic about a situation. Sticking your head in the sand simply delays dealing with the problem and signals to employees it is ok for them to do the same.
Your business should have a well defined strategic goal or vision. This is important because it motivates the workforce, and focuses them on a goal. It gives them a sense that their day to day tasks and efforts are part of a larger grand plan. As the owner of the business it is up to you to formulate a clear strategy. By creating a vision for your business you will show employees that you are in charge, you know where you're heading and are willing to lead the team in order to achieve your stated goal.
Motivation is a key part of being a business owner/manager. Without the right incentives, support, encouragement and opportunities to grow your workforce can get bogged down in the daily grind. Motivation involves giving credit where it's due, creating an environment where employees feel they can share ideas and try new things, and fostering a team atmosphere where people know they are part of a group effort that will share successes and help one another out with difficulties. If you are a fair, consistent and straightforward boss, who gives employees a chance to excel and take on responsibilities, they will respond with a good work ethic.
Your employees look to you as the owner of the business to set the standard that should be followed. By being a good role model you implicitly set the benchmark for everyone at your organisation in terms of service, attitude, motivation, problem solving and treatment of co-workers. These simple measures can help make your workplace a happy one, while motivating your employees and maximising your business operations.
Top of page