Leadership is one of the most important aspects of running a business smoothly. Employees and clientele alike need to see that the business is being run by a strong person with good ideas. They also need to feel included and heard. There are five aspects to being a good leader that will help in the growth and success of any business:
1) Model the Way
The example that you set for your employees and colleagues will determine how your business is run. If they see that you're dedicated to your craft and service, they'll follow in your footsteps. Your own enthusiasm will be their inspiration. Conversely, if you're constantly grumpy or not invested in your business, their takeaway will be that you don't care about the quality of your service. Their own desire to do a good job will be impeded by a question of, "What's the point, exactly?"
2) Inspire a Shared Vision
You need to know what you want for your company and business, and you need to know how to achieve it. Even if you're having trouble formulating a step-by-step goal, you need to firmly believe in your own potential for success. Being passionate about your company and your potential to help others will make your employees happy to be there. It'll also shine through when your clients interact with you, and they'll know that you truly have them in mind.
3) Challenge the Process
An innovative leader doesn't always need to stick to the status quo. If employees come to you with troubles, hear what they have to say and take their concerns into consideration. If you can change your business model to be more helpful to them, then they'll be happier working for you.
If customers come to you with thoughts about the way you're running your business, listen to them as well. You know what they say about the customer always being right. Don't get so stuck in your old ways of running a business that you're unwilling to change when new and fresh ideas come along.
4) Enable Others to Act
When you're leading and running a business, you don't have to do so alone. Though your business model and dream come chiefly from you, your employees and clients will allow you to get there. Build teams of employees working toward a common goal, and allow them to share their ideas. Also bring your customers together and listen to what they have to say. Make sure they know that their voices are heard and that they're an important part of your business.
5) Encourage the Heart
More than money, an excellent motivator is heart and the feeling that you're working to do good. Take initiative and let people know that your business is changing the world for the better in some small way - whether it's by giving people access to better service or revolutionizing the face of different products. Making your business more than a corporate machine will inspire customers to get more involved and to make repeat purchases. It'll also make your employees happier to be there and offer their best work.
Contributed by Centel Media Management. Questions or comments? Email contact@centelmedia.com.
1) Model the Way
The example that you set for your employees and colleagues will determine how your business is run. If they see that you're dedicated to your craft and service, they'll follow in your footsteps. Your own enthusiasm will be their inspiration. Conversely, if you're constantly grumpy or not invested in your business, their takeaway will be that you don't care about the quality of your service. Their own desire to do a good job will be impeded by a question of, "What's the point, exactly?"
2) Inspire a Shared Vision
You need to know what you want for your company and business, and you need to know how to achieve it. Even if you're having trouble formulating a step-by-step goal, you need to firmly believe in your own potential for success. Being passionate about your company and your potential to help others will make your employees happy to be there. It'll also shine through when your clients interact with you, and they'll know that you truly have them in mind.
3) Challenge the Process
An innovative leader doesn't always need to stick to the status quo. If employees come to you with troubles, hear what they have to say and take their concerns into consideration. If you can change your business model to be more helpful to them, then they'll be happier working for you.
If customers come to you with thoughts about the way you're running your business, listen to them as well. You know what they say about the customer always being right. Don't get so stuck in your old ways of running a business that you're unwilling to change when new and fresh ideas come along.
4) Enable Others to Act
When you're leading and running a business, you don't have to do so alone. Though your business model and dream come chiefly from you, your employees and clients will allow you to get there. Build teams of employees working toward a common goal, and allow them to share their ideas. Also bring your customers together and listen to what they have to say. Make sure they know that their voices are heard and that they're an important part of your business.
5) Encourage the Heart
More than money, an excellent motivator is heart and the feeling that you're working to do good. Take initiative and let people know that your business is changing the world for the better in some small way - whether it's by giving people access to better service or revolutionizing the face of different products. Making your business more than a corporate machine will inspire customers to get more involved and to make repeat purchases. It'll also make your employees happier to be there and offer their best work.
Contributed by Centel Media Management. Questions or comments? Email contact@centelmedia.com.
