Managing a small, growing business takes hard work, determination and skill. While many people have experience of managing projects and dealing with the day-to-day running of their company, employing others to join an expanding business can bring with it its own management challenges.

Suddenly owners are expected to become leaders with a team of people to manage and, with no previous experience, this can be daunting. So how can you become a successful leader?



For a long time, the belief has persisted that inherent ability and personality are all-important. The phrase ‘leaders are born, not made’ is commonly used and, when talking about a person’s ability, the term ‘a born leader’ is often heard.

But new research published by the Chartered Management Institute tells a rather different story. The report, called Management Development Works: the evidence, shows that for the first time since 1986, natural ability has been eclipsed by job experience. On a five-point scale, job experience is rated higher than innate ability, suggesting that leadership is now recognised as a skill that can be developed rather simply than attributed to some and not to others.

A great leader can generate enthusiasm and team spirit as well as being a powerful motivator. This ability may not come naturally at first but skills can be developed to achieve these results. Many people, especially those with a technical skill, might feel uncomfortable with the idea but everyone can learn how to develop their leadership potential. The following tips should help to make the most of what you’ve got.

Be aware of different leadership styles

Remember that people require different styles of leadership. By matching your leadership style to the situation and people in question, you should be able to guide people to deliver results. For example, people who are unwilling or unable to take responsibility need strong direction with clear targets and regular monitoring. Talented but underachieving employees may need you to lead by engaging much more closely with them: the key is to get them involved, sharing in the decision-making and taking the initiative.

It’s also important that your colleagues see you setting a good example as it is impossible to earn respect from and motivate others if you don’t ‘walk the talk’. This includes understanding and valuing others’ work, developing and demonstrating good work habits and listening and learning. These skills are essential because you need people to work with you to produce results.

Proper planning

As your business grows, you will need to continue to think about the need to focus on a bigger picture. One way is to make the effort to establish group goals by including your team in setting both objectives and standards. You will need to provide them with the support and confidence to succeed. Leadership in this case is about creating the right circumstances for staff to take real ownership of their work. If you want your people to do a good job, then you need to show trust in them. 

Effective communication

This is also a big part of being a good leader. Without it, people won’t know what’s happening in the hub of your business and your staff won’t have any idea of how they are doing. It’s important to develop the right mix of communication so that they know what you expect, and to let them know when they have done well and where performance could be enhanced.

You need to communicate clearly so that the vision you have created is familiar to all employees. A vision can only become reality if people know what it is and are striving towards it through their actions. If you actively listen and talk to your team, you are more likely to engage them in achieving your vision.

 

 

If you are thinking of taking on someone to help with your business, there are some things you must carry out. Sorting out these issues properly from the start will save you a lot of tome and trouble later on.

To view information on recruiting staff

click here