Leadership for Small Business - 5 things to practice Are you leader just because you operate a small business? No Is it the number of followers that defines leadersihp? No Can you become a leader by just saying you are a leader? No Leadership is a winning combination of personal traits and the ability to think and act as a leader who instigates and directs the activites of others for the good of all. Good leadership is critical to business success and anyone can become a leader even if the only person they are leading is themself. By focusing on developing the following leadership drivers you can transform yourself into a strong leader for your business. 1. Establish and communicate a clear vision Establish a clear vision that combines dreams and passion is essential to good leadership and provides a positive direction moving forward. Communicate and believe in your vision as this will strengthen your determination towards delivering action and achieving your vision. This inturn will strengthen the way people perceive you and your leadership potential. 2. Plan and adapt Good leaders identify potential problems and put plans in place to solve them before they become a crsis. A good leader is proactive rather than reactive. They are able to adpat their plans to new circumstances and opportunities as they arise. 3. Take action Combine your leadership vision together with your plan to take action by making the right decisions as a leader of your small business. 4. Lead by example Leadership is defined through action. Act in ways that are in line with your leadership vision and inturn people will become inspired by the integrity behind your actions. 5. Listen, support and empower others A good leader is able to listen to others, facilitate the sharing of ideas in an open and supportive environment while empowering others to take positive action where needed. As a small business owner, this involves working together with all key stakeholders from clients through to staff and suppliers. When everyone is onboard with you have a strong receipe for success. To become a leader it takes vision, a plan, committment and consistent effort. The good news is that anyone willing to make leadership a focus in their business and put in some extra effort in this area can become a good small business leader! For more information on leadership visit www.illawarraleaders.com.au Return to FREE RESOURCES list page.

Current as at:1-Feb-07. © Important & Imperative Business Solutions (I&IBS), 2006.

The writer, Wendy Fogarty, is a Business Growth Consultant who has almost 25 years experience and a dedicated focus on business development through strategic knowledge management. Wendy has worked with many successful SME’s and been involved in aspects of their business development in the Illawarra and beyond. Wendy runs a boutique business consultancy focused on delivering a range of business growth services. Call Wendy today at I&IBS on 0242832221 to find out how she can help to develop and grow your business.

Disclaimer: The information published in the above article is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Important & Imperative Business Solutions (I&IBS). The above article is intended as general information only and should not be relied on in place of specific legal or professional advice. I&IBS accepts no responsibility or liability for any damage which may be incurred by any person acting on this information provided.

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