Managing a team is often one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. Some entrepreneurs are natural leaders, but this is not always the case. In this guide, we’ll provide some tips to help you hone your leadership skills.
Training
Many businesses devote a significant amount of time and money to staff training, but training can also be hugely beneficial for business owners. Running a company of any kind often involves tackling tasks that might not necessarily suit your skillset, and there is always room for improvement.
As the manager, you can continue to learn on the job, gaining new skills and expanding your knowledge base to drive the business forward and support your employees. There are all kinds of workshops and courses that could be beneficial, from accounting and conflict management to health and safety and IT skills. Look for options that will help you plug gaps in your knowledge and enhance your performance as a leader.
Learning from others
We learn from others from the day we are born, and following examples, seeking advice, and keeping an eye on what other people are doing can be extremely helpful. Look to experienced entrepreneurs like Tranell Morant for advice and guidance, read business articles and interviews with high-profile moguls and make use of resources, such as webinars, podcasts, and video conferences. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions if you have concerns about your business or you need advice to tackle specific issues.
Using past experiences
Most business owners have been employees at some point in their past and many will also have experienced other examples of leadership. When managing a team of people, it’s advantageous to use your own experiences to shape the way you lead and influence the way you deal with certain scenarios, situations, and challenges. Use both positive and negative examples to help you become a better leader. Take inspiration for those you admire and respect and avoid making the same mistakes as those you felt let you down as a leader. It’s also helpful to put yourself in your employees’ shoes from time to time.
Communication
Communication is integral to successful leadership, good team spirit, wellbeing, and productivity. Communicate clearly and openly with your team, get together regularly, make sure you listen if employees have ideas or concerns, and give every individual a platform to speak. Always ensure that you are accessible if your employees want to chat and try to champion and facilitate meetings that go beyond a list of set talking points. Invite people to share ideas and opinions and once you’ve completed the agenda, take a moment to check-in and catch up. It can also be beneficial to plan social events or fun activities outside of work to build strong relationships and trust.
Strong, effective leadership can make the difference between a business succeeding and failing. If you run a company, it’s essential to understand the benefits of communicating with your team, training, and learning and using your own experiences to guide your team.
