Seventy-six percent of people looking for new jobs say that their current boss is toxic. In addition, 26% of employees said their boss was power-hungry and 18% said their boss is a micromanager.
Wondering why your business isn't succeeding? It may be because of your lacking leadership abilities.
Keep reading to learn the steps you can take to become a great business leader.
Know Your Business Inside And Out
Wondering how to be a great business leader? It is important that you know every aspect of your business so that you can be the best leader possible.
Just because your job focuses on the big-picture, that doesn't mean you shouldn't know the job responsibilities of every employee. By knowing all levels of your business, you can readjust things when they aren't going as they should. You can keep things moving efficiently and keep productivity levels high.
In addition, your employees will appreciate it if you understand their job duties. They will feel valued if you acknowledge the important work each employee is doing.
Never Stop Learning
If you want to be a good business leader, you need to commit to always learn new things.
Many bosses are older and become set in their ways over time. But, just because they become successful due to their knowledge, that doesn't mean that their successful ways are the only right answer. Instead, as new technology is discovered, it's important to continue learning so you can improve your business.
Dedicate to taking a new educational business course each year. Encourage yourself to take a course on a subject that relates to your business but that you don't currently understand. Your employees will appreciate your willingness to learn and try new things.
In addition, attend workshops and conferences related to your business niche. These will allow you to stay up-to-date with the advances in your industry.
Stick With a Leadership Style
Becoming a great leader in business involves choosing and sticking with a specific leadership style.
In general, there are four distinct leadership styles, each having its own pros and cons. These leadership styles include supportive, affiliative, directive, and coaching.
A supportive leadership style focuses on working as a team and respecting the strengths of other employees. As an affiliate leader, you give your team members the authority to work independently and make their own decisions.
On the other hand, a directive leadership style focuses on setting clear objectives and rules for your employees. And finally, a coaching leadership style focuses on teaching your employees one-on-one to help them grow in the workplace.
Not sure which leadership style best fits your personality and business? Read this article for a more in-depth look at company leader styles.
Listen to and Communicate With Employees
One of the most common characteristics of a great leader in business is the ability to listen. From the secretary to the janitor, to your top executives, you need to give everyone the same level of attention. By listening to each employee, you show them that they are valued and appreciated.
Never think that someone is below you or unworthy of your attention. Each employee plays a different role in your business and has a unique view of your business inner workings. You never know when the next suggestion an employee makes could be the one to improve your business.
In addition to listening, you need to have good communication with each employee. Let them know what they can do better, what they are doing a good job at, and keep them informed about upcoming changes to your business.
Become a Team Player
A good business leader is often the one that doesn't distinguish themselves as the leader. Instead, they prioritize working as a team and being a team player to help the business succeed.
When you work as a large business team, each employee feels valued and is more likely to pull their own weight. Your employees will understand the vital role they play in your business and become committed to your business' success. Loyalty and happiness in your employees will help improve employee retention and overall productivity.
In addition, your employees will appreciate you as an important member of the team. If they understand the importance of your role and duties, they will have more respect for you as a human being and a boss.
Set Clear Goals
If you want to be a successful business owner, you need to be willing to set clear goals.
The best business goals are SMART goals. This means that when you create a goal, you make sure it is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
Be sure to make goals for your overall business, yourself, and specific departments. Instead of making goals for individual employees, try hosting a workshop on SMART goals and invite everyone to create their own work goals. Be a role model by sharing your own goal, the goal-making process, and how you reward yourself for reaching your goals.
Be Willing to Take Risks
Finally, one of the best qualities of a great business leader is being a risk-taker.
If, as a business leader, you always take the easy road, your employees will learn that doing the bare-minimum is sufficient. Instead, you want to show them that taking calculated risks pays off in the end.
You can start by taking risks by giving a young employee an important job duty or a promotion. Or, take a risk by listening to the advice of a specific employee.
No matter what the risk is, start by weighing the pros against the cons. Then, if the risk seems like a good choice, let your employees in on the choice. Together, everyone at your business will see how risks can pay off, or how a business can recover from a failed risk.
You Are on Your Way Toward Becoming a Great Business Leader
After reading this article, you are well on your way toward becoming a great business leader.
Start by knowing your business inside and out and committing to continuous learning. Then, find a leadership style that works for you and prioritize listening to and communicating with your employees. Finally, become a team player, set clear goals, and be willing to take risks to improve your business. Lead the way!
Looking for more ways to succeed with your business? Be sure to browse the rest of this site for business advice ranging from digital marketing to tech. And visit the Startup section of the Bootstrap Business Blog to learn more about company leadership!
