Tough times require real leadership

 

 

Being a good manager is a valuable business skill, no question about it. But if you are an owner who wants to grow your business, achieve its full potential in size, profitability and reputation, you have to be more than a manager.

 

You must be a leader.

 

The difference between a manager and a leader? A leader is like an architect, someone who takes responsibility for creating the “big picture.” A leader sets the organization”™s overall tone, direction and goals; selects and develops a strong team; and inspires that team to work cooperatively and enthusiastically to achieve the company”™s objectives. A manager is like a general contractor, the person who makes sure everyone follows the architect”™s plans.

 

In normal economic conditions companies benefit from talented leaders at the helm. But in today”™s stormy business climate, the top person”™s leadership skills may make the difference between life and death for the company.

 

Most successful leaders share common characteristics:

 

A clear vision ”“ Leaders set both long-term and interim goals, usually in consultation with team members, that all can understand and work enthusiastically toward. They schedule regular reviews to measure progress.

 

Leaders listen more than they talk, actively considering what suppliers, customers and employees have to say. They ask open-ended questions and try to learn something useful from everyone they meet. Leaders show their appreciation for and reward good performance. From the shop floor to the executive suite, leaders treat everyone with respect ”“ which prompts openness and loyalty.

 

Link vision to action ”“ Leaders don”™t suffer paralysis from analysis. They have a bias to action. To them doing something that”™s 85 percent right is far better than foot dragging or doing nothing. Leaders focus on what”™s important and don”™t waste time on what”™s not.

 

Accountability ”“ Leaders insist on honesty and responsibility from everyone in the organization, especially themselves. Excuses are not accepted as explanations.

 

Leaders tolerate the occasional failure. Successful business people make mistakes and get up to try again. Failures don”™t get up. Leaders encourage prudent risk taking as an essential part of building a business.

Tough decisions ”“ When faced with a challenge, leaders do what is right, not what is easy. When you have to make a quick decision, the best answer is generally ‘”no” because “no” is more easily changed to “yes” than “yes” is to “no.”

 

Inspire through actions ”“ You don’t need long speeches or memos to inspire. To the contrary, brief is better. Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” was less than three minutes long and Churchill’s famous “Blood, Sweat and Tears” speech was two and a half minutes long. Words are important but actions ”“ leading by example ”“ are much more effective.

 

Pragmatic ”“ Leaders realize that no one, including themselves, is indispensable. Once you think you are more important than the mission, you cease to lead. Translated into business, encourage your team to do things better than you and you will all benefit.

 

How much time do you spend really leading, not just managing your business? If your goal is to create a growing, profitable business that can function well without your constant involvement, strong leadership is a must.

 

Build and practice your leadership skills every chance you get. This will benefit you, your team and your business no matter the economy ”“ but especially now.

 

James J. Malski is the founder of ActionCOACH of Connecticut in Westport, Conn. Reach him at jimmalski@actioncoach.com.