Leadership in Small Businesses

Running a successful small business starts with leadership. Everyone in a company is touched by a great leader. If a leader is infectious with their enthusiasm and vision, then everyone in the company will show it.

Customers can sense a great company when they see it. From the moment they walk in, see your web site, or speak to someone on the phone, you want them to feel the essence of your vision. In order for this attitude to trickle down to the lowest employee on the totem pole, you have to plan out your every step, making sure that things will work together in harmony. Being a good leader doesn’t happen overnight. Use these tips for becoming the small business leader that you need to be.

Lead by example. Let your workers see you working hard, putting in extra time, and going above and beyond to make sure that their jobs are fair and productive. Offer to help if things are not getting done, instead of offering punishments.

Don’t micromanage your employees. Instead, give them opportunities to excel. Give them responsibilities that they can manage. If you need to, start with small projects and work them up to the level where you need them to be. Having successes will boost their esteem and their confidence in completing tasks.

Be a good listener. Employees often have struggles that you may not be aware of. They may be scared to tell you when they think things are being mismanaged or their accomplishments are going unnoticed. Stress your “open door policy” and let employees know that they will never be reprimanded for bringing sensitive subjects to your attention. Personally talk to each employee or periodically contact them through e-mail asking questions about how things are run, how they could be improved, and things of that nature. Often employees will tell you through an e-mail things that they may not be comfortable telling you in person.

Treat everyone with respect. You have to give respect to get it. This can mean giving employees the benefit of the doubt, even if you don’t feel like you should. Treat them as an equal and help them to excel.

Put your money where your mouth is. Give deserved raises whenever possible. If money is a problem, you may have to find ways to save. You can involve your employees by starting up recycling programs, trying to turn your office into a paperless environment, or holding community benefit events to raise money. Cut costs by learning how to do some things yourself instead of hiring someone to help. For example, you can eliminate the need for a personal assistant by utilizing mobile concierge services, or making all of your travel plans yourself. You can reduce travel expenses by holding more conference calls, or consolidating your travel plans so that you don’t stay overnight. Hold contests and frequent meetings to keep employees motivated and upbeat. Nothing beats a good old fashioned positive attitude when it comes to managing a small business.

About the Author: Joe Smith is a Marketing Associate of OnCall, a leading online source of mobile concierge services that goes above and beyond traditional directory assistance. Get international personalized assistance with phone direcory information, turn by turn directions, movie times, stock quotes, sports scores, and more at http://www.askoncall.com.