We often hear stories about great leaders in large corporations, but small businesses need great leadership, too. Leadership is essential for any business that is striving for success.
A business and its team, performs based on the inspiration and direction of its leaders. A great leader not only shares the purpose and goals of the business, but also exemplifies best practices that show quality, integrity, professionalism and other values that make up the brand.
Here are a few reasons why small businesses need great leadership.
A great leader understands the business purpose and objectives.
They provide a sense of purpose for the business. They think ahead in the direction the business is headed with clear goals and objectives. Keeping shareholders and employees clear on purpose and objectives helps everyone gain strategic vision and recognize how their goals are intertwined. This helps the team be more productive as they strive for a collective goal. Clear communication on vision and goals also helps increase support and loyalty from shareholders, employees, clients and the community.
A great leader is motivating and knows their authority in creating the culture.
By creating a better work environment that is motivating and creates a sense of belonging, great leaders increase the productivity and overall efficiency of the business. The leader is the one with the authority to initiate and support the much needed programs to improve the company. Programs such as those that provide training and help employees realize their full potential. That authority also comes with the responsibility for things like appropriate money management, timeliness, and professionalism. The decisions made with these responsibilities also affect the “feel” of the business, thus impacting employee retention, client retention and the company’s brand.
A great leader maintains stability.
The business environment is always changing and that creates a level of risk. When a business has all the fundamental qualities of a good business but lacks strong leadership, it will be less likely to avert a catastrophe before it happens. While a larger business might struggle through a catastrophe for several months, smaller businesses are more likely to collapse quickly if their leadership structure is in jeopardy.
It is like having an army without its general. Chaos can be averted, and stability maintained, when there is good proactive strategy, direction, and decision-making by a great leader.
As a CEO leading a company, one must learn what it takes to grow and sustain a successful company. Every person has the ability to be a leader; but becoming a great leader requires intentional focus on that leadership development by learning and applying more skills. This is the key behind a successful, strong and effective leader.
Natasha Davis, The Chief Visionary works with CEOs to help them enhance their skills and become great leaders. Learn more about how the Executive Coaching – Natasha Davis Visionary program will strengthen your leadership skills and catapult you to achieve your goals faster.