Most business owners start their companies because they are passionate about what they do. They don’t start a business with a dream of managing people. Yet, the moment you hire your first employee, your role changes. You are no longer the entrepreneur, on your own, managing only yourself. You become a leader, and your management style will have a direct impact on the success of your business. I found this quote years ago and have kept it in mind throughout my career: “A truly great boss is hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget.”
There are two main reasons good employees leave: poor management and ineffective leadership. Decades of workplace data consistently validates the adage: “People don’t leave jobs; they leave managers.” For a small business owner, this is critical because replacing even one valued employee is expensive – not only financially, but also in lost productivity (think efficiency), client relationships and team morale.
Early in my career, I had the privilege of working for someone who showed me what great leadership looked like. More than 35 years later, I still find myself thinking about that job and his management style. When confronted with a difficult situation, I ask myself, “How would he have handled this?” That’s the lasting influence a great leader can have.
A great leader can bring many things to the workplace.
Giving Direction. Success is dependent on vision and goals. Employees perform better when they understand your direction and how their work contributes to that vision. Share your goals regularly, not just during employee onboarding. The employees who understand the mission will become invested in achieving it.
Company Culture. As you become a leader, you set the company’s culture and “feel”. Success is highly dependent on the environment you develop. What sort of manager are you? Own who you are and how you want to run your business. Discuss your style and expectations so that your employees are comfortable in the environment you develop. Unity, not discord will result.
Consistency. Employees don’t expect perfection, but they do expect consistency. Small businesses most often succeed when expectations are well-defined and predictable.
Communication. Your time and your ear in listening to your employees are key. With just a few employees, you will likely still be wearing many hats, and your time will be stretched. Even so, remember that your employees need direction, understanding and acceptance from you – this ensures their success and as a result, yours as well.
The best managers aren’t the ones with all the answers – they’re the ones who create an environment where people can do their best work. The management style you develop today will become the culture your business is known for tomorrow.
Strong leadership isn’t just for morale – it also reduces turnover, improves productivity, increases customer satisfaction, and ultimately contributes to a healthier bottom line.
Here’s to your ongoing success!
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