Companies rise and fall on good leadership. Depending on the quality of the leader and the values of the leader, both of those together radically impact the company. The efficiency, culture, direction and ultimately the success of the company depend on the leadership. That’s why it’s so important to know the aspects that are required for good leadership so that you can implement them in your company successfully.
What is leadership?
Leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organization. You don’t have to be in a leadership position to be a leader. You know you’re a leader when you turn around and there are people following you.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”—John C. Maxwell
Why is leadership important?
In order to have a successful small business full of passion and provision leadership is important. Why? A company without a leader is one without direction, without structure and without someone for the employees to follow. It’s a company with no backbone, no one looking toward the future or implementing strategies.
The same goes for companies that may have leaders, but have leaders who do not fulfill their duties or actually show leadership. Being in a leadership position does not automatically make you a leader. Leading with influence is the best kind of leading you can do, especially if you actually are in a position of leadership. Bad leaders kill companies. Good leaders grow successful companies.
There are two different aspects to leadership:
- Personal leadership development (self reflecting, self assessment, etc.)
- Leadership skills and tasks (actual things a leader has to do i.e. make decisions, goals, vision, plot, plan, etc.)
Personal leadership development
In order to be a good leader, you need to understand your role in your company and what you contribute to it. Good leaders are always aware of their strengths and weaknesses and work on them. They self assess themselves constantly and are very introspective.
Leadership skills and tasks
Leaders are always thinking about and figuring out “what we’re going to do, how we’re going to do it and why we’re gong to do it.” Great leaders always figure out the ‘why’ and communicate it.
Great leaders who have lead groups of people and made contributions over time have had a clear understanding of their values and ethics and had a clear commitment to them. You must have great resolve to run a successful passion and provision company. If you are not constantly evaluating and having a clear picture of yourself, it’s difficult to have success.
What this should look like when implemented
The wildly successful company, Zappos is a great example of what it looks like to have leadership within a company and have it work effectively. Leadership is something that is highlighted throughout the company and not just for high level management, but also for all employees as a whole, which helps to make them a company that people love buying from and people love working for.
The CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh, is often recognized as a great leader in the business industry. He helps envision big plans for the company and can make things happen—which is a trait of a great leader. While he has a more hands-off approach with his company and wants his employees to have fun at work, he acknowledges structure and the fact that leading is necessary.
Check out this video by self-proclaimed leadership expert Simon Sinek on how great leaders, such as Tony Hsieh, inspire action within their companies.
Start With Why—How Great Leaders Inspire Action | Tedx Talks
Need help honing in on your own leadership skills or are seeking some consulting for the leaders in your company to become even better leaders? Want to have a more successful small business? We can help!
Since 2002, Half a Bubble Out has been dedicated to providing marketing, advertising and small business consulting that meet the needs of our clients. We specialize in powerfully telling stories through inbound marketing to grow your business filled with more passion and provision. Based in Chico California, we serve clients throughout Northern California and across the country to New York.
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