Leadership Tips #1

I find that many entrepreneurs and small business owners struggle to manage people. They may have technical expertise, financial savvy, a good head for marketing... but that can't get their team to work together and buy-in to the business plan. These 3 blog posts will give you a few practical tips to learn to lead effectively.

1. Remember that a true leader does not tell other people what to do – they build other leaders and teach people how to lead. Don’t focus on whether individual day-to-day functions are being accomplished or micro-manage details of ‘how’ things are being done. Focus on mentoring the staff, training them, empowering them and teaching them how to manage their own time and responsibilities.
2. Don’t hold onto hiring mistakes or keep employees who are a bad fit. Admit you were wrong, terminate the relationship and move on. Communicate clearly with everyone throughout the process and be brave enough to be honest and take the hits that may come gracefully. Top managers will find that only 60% of their hiring decisions are good ones (at best).
3. Find MANY wise people to mentor and advise you as you make decisions. Having key people inside and outside the comapny meet weekly, monthly or quarterly to hear issues and offer suggestions can be a great way to resolve problems and gather new ideas for improvement. Also work to find mentors outside of the organization to help you grow personally and professionally, or build new skills.
4. Find balance in your style of relating to your team. Most inexpert leaders tend to lean toward the extremes. They may be very icy, impersonal and stiff when interacting with employees and customers, or they may get too friendly and involved in personal issues. Either option is out of balance and will eventually lead to problems. Try to get to know your team and understand them as individuals while still maintaining a steady focus on the company as a whole. Advocate for the company – not for yourself or for any particular individuals or projects.