Are You Running Your Business or Leading Your Business?

how to lead a business
You are already running a business, but are you leading it? Imagine you are on a sports team- obviously you need someone to make the big decisions: schedule your games, get your equipment, decide who to recruit, etc. but what will mean the difference in the game is whether or not your team can get motivated. The team leader rallies the enthusiasm and motivation needed to secure the win. A business is the same way- without the right leader all you will have is the tools to succeed, not the actual success. Below are six characteristics of business leaders, as outlined by Brett Hurt founder of Bazaarblog:

Humility
Knowing that no business is perfect and being willing to hear negative feedback or criticism will help you to make the changes necessary to succeed. If negative feedback is coming from your employees you need to make an effort to not only hear it, but also respond to it- lest you lose credibility or respect from them.
Transparency
Tell your employees what you are doing- be it products you are releasing, markets you are entering, job posts you are opening, etc. Be straightforward and honest with employees and let them respond in the same manner. By opening up communications you can help control the conversation- stopping rumors and misinformation from spreading.
Connectedness
Your employees know people and they will talk about your company. Invest in them to invest both in the future leadership of your company and positive word of mouth about your company. Employees can sometimes be your best evangelists so give them reason to sing your praises.
Culture
Recognize the uniqueness of each employee to better understand the uniqueness of your market. All of the different pieces that your employees can contribute will help you to achieve a broader reach.
Total Leadership
Lead by enabling others to lead as well. Focus on the whole employee. If you invest in the whole person in each of your employees you will better prepare them to take your place someday.
Soul
Businesses seem to have a soul that needs to be preserved- a certain feeling, ideal, belief, etc. that lives in your business. In addition to providing for your employees and fostering their growth, you need to nourish your business’ soul. Make decisions that fit with your business’ nature and allow the living breathing soul of your business brand to evolve and flourish.