How to Be the Best Small Business Leader You Can Be
Would you like to know how to be the best small business leader you can be? It’s not complicated, but it does take hard work, commitment, and dedication. All traits I’ve found at Berger Hargis. I’ve had the privilege of working with the leadership team at Berger Hargis for several years. It’s been my pleasure to watch them grow from good to great. They’ve developed a culture that cares. They care about their customers, and they care about their teammates. If you know of someone looking for an opportunity to grow with an organization, I highly recommend joining this team.
The reason I do is that although no organization is perfect, Berger Hargis tries to be by following the 10 keys listed below.
How to Be the Best Small Business Leader You Can Be
There are principles of business leadership that transcend the size of an organization. Leadership basics work whether a business is large or small. But there are differences, and one of those is that in many ways, it’s easier to lead a small business than a large corporation.
In a small business, the team members are more accessible to managers. Leaders can get closer to their people and get to know them. And when a manager knows their people, they can lead from a position of understanding. A small business leader who does that can work wonders.
10 Keys to Becoming a Small Business Leader
1. Hire for Character
It’s easy to get caught in the “hire for skills” trap. Hiring for character over skills often leads to large amounts of time training new hires. It means dealing with less production or lower performance as part of the learning curve. But the best teammates have character first. Think about it, have you worked with skilled teammates who made poor character choices? How did they affect the team? Have you brought in someone who had very little knowledge of your business, and they became one of your best employees?
2. Set Expectations
Giving your teammates a clear set of expectations not only establishes the direction of a small business, but it’s also motivating. People want direction, and they love a mission—so give it to them. Set goals based on activities, share the results desired, and schedule follow-up. If You Don’t Set Expectations, What Can You Expect?
3. Commit to Continuous Training
Training isn’t one and done—it’s ongoing. Training should begin on the first day and never stop. It should be audited, repeated, and then you should offer advanced training.
4. Be a Mentor
Mentor more than one. Take direct reports under your wing. See more in them than they see in themselves.
5. Share a Vision
People want to be part of something meaningful. They want to know that what they do matters and that their contributions mean something. A vision doesn’t have to be solving world problems; it can be as simple as striving to deliver the best possible product or service.
6. Listen with an Open Mind
If you’ve ever had a boss who wouldn’t listen or one that dismissed your ideas and suggestions, then you know how disheartening it can be. If you want to become a small business leader, listen to your team.
7. Be a Friend
Yes, a boss not only can be a friend—they should be. You see, true friends help each other. You should help your teammates. Would you like to learn more about why it’s not only okay to be a friend with your direct reports but why you should? Can a Boss Be a Friend?
8. Create Owners
I’m not saying to give teammates stock in your company (and I’m not saying to). Building ownership begins by involving your team in decision-making, sharing responsibility, and giving recognition. You know you’ve succeeded when your staff uses the first person to describe the operation. “At my company…”
9. Become a Silo Buster
Even small businesses build walls between individuals and departments. It’s easy to get caught up in the “This department stands alone!” syndrome. It doesn’t—it’s only one part of the whole operation. Here’s more on silo-busting. How to Demolish Silos and why You Should
10. Give Recognition
The best way I know to help people repeat positive behaviors is to reinforce the behavior. And the best way to do that is to recognize it.
Are You Leading Your Small Business?
Leading a small business has much in common with leading a larger organization. I’ve done both, and for me, a small biz leadership role has the upper hand. A small business offers leaders the opportunity to mentor, train, and create owners. It’s a chance to watch people grow, and I can’t think of anything more satisfying as a leader.
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent service to our customers. The company has been built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
If we can answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash
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