
Consider these top 10 leadership skills
that all business leaders must have to be successful in their businesses.
1.
Strong Mission
Statement:
Why did you start this business? It can’t just be about making money for
yourself. Your mission statement defines the purpose of your company and will
help inform every decision you and your team will make.
2.
Strong Vision: Unlike the
specifics of the mission statement, the vision for your business paints the big picture. It tells your employees where you want to take your business and how
your staff members can support you.
3.
Tangible Goals: As a leader you
need to set the “bar” for your staff. You can do this by establishing goals foryour business. Whether its daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly sales figures,
there should be a target to shoot for. You might have to adjust these goals to
meet the practicalities of your business but without them you could find your company
floundering without purpose.
4.
Strong Team: The major
responsibility of a team leader is to actually pick that team. You need to
strike a balance between the prospective employees resume, their interview and
your own instincts to build that cohesive team. Just know that a good leader
also knows when to make changes. If an employee isn’t working out, it’s better
to sever the ties and move on than dwell on a mistake.
5.
Know-how: You need to
present an image of competency to your employees, investors and customer base.
This doesn’t mean you need a PhD in the particular business you are setting up,
but all of those folks will be turning to you for answers. If you don’t have an
immediate answer, don’t fake it. Take the time to get it right.
6.
Solid Communication: Building on the
well written mission statement, vision and goals you need to keep those linesof communication open. Don’t just say, “My door is always open.” Seek out your
staff to get their input. Challenge them to come up with solutions or new ideas
by fostering a productive and open channel of communication. Be the model of
how you want your employees to communicate with each other.
7.
Relate
To Your Staff:
This doesn’t mean becoming everybody’s friend. Although it might evolve to that
you need to keep the boundary lines well drawn. However, that doesn’t mean you
can’t find ways to relate to your staff and visa versa. The perfect example is
with any company function that can involve families. The great “equalizer”
among any group of people are the common bonds shared by families.
8.
Positive
Attitude:
“There are no problems; only solutions.” Projecting a positive attitude is
infectious. Your staff will be looking for you to set the tone. Make it a
positive one.
9.
Provide
Inspiration:
Providing inspiration isn’t just about coming in early and leaving late. A
leader will often remind his team what they are “fighting for.” That type of
affirmation can help drive up productivity in any company.
10. Roll Up Your Sleeves: Every once in awhile you
should step out from behind your desk and get into the trenches with your
staff. Let them see you’re working as hard as they are and you’ll build
extremely high levels of loyalty.
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