Are you a manager or a leader? Women in business, have you ever asked yourself that question? Do you demand or do you ask? Do you micro manage or do you focus on the big picture? Do you have a clear, unwavering vision for your business? Or do you plan one day at a time?
The most successful businesses have a great leader. A great leader is one that coaches and encourages her team. A leader that has a strong vision and knows how to execute it. She is a leader that is confident enough in herself that she wants to share her knowledge to create other leaders. Strong women have no problem stepping back and allowing their team to step into the spotlight. Leaders use their gut instinct. They empathize with others, they make decisions based on what’s best for their business, and most importantly leaders take risks.
When it comes to growth and expanding your business, think about all the time you spend on social media, marketing, and advertising. Don’t get me wrong, these things are all very important but nothing helps grow your business more than your own team. They are the people that stand by you every day. The people that already believe in you and your brand. They have already bought into the culture of your business so why not utilize them to help you build your business.
How often do you have one-on-one meetings? I encourage you to meet at least once a month. Utilize these meetings to set goals, strategize and plan out their future career, and development. Beyond one-on-one meetings, I encourage you to ask your team members for feedback. We regularly ask for feedback from our clients so why wouldn’t we ask for internal feedback as well. Ask your employees what you, as a leader, can do to help them succeed. Inquire as to what you can do as a leader to help them reach their goals in a timely manner. Ask them what they would change if they were in your shoes for one week. It’s very important to keep the lines of communication open between you and your team. Leaders use phrases like “We can do this, let’s do it together”. What can we do to get you to where you want to be?” Once you understand the value of your team, and your team members feel valued, your business will grow organically. I practice what I preach and because of this I have seen incredible growth within my own business. When I hire a new employee I make it my mission to really get to know them on a personal level. I figure out what motivates them, what inspires them, and what makes them tick. I invest time, money, and energy into each team member. It really helps me understand them as individuals so I can strategize properly to help them achieve their goals. Personally investing in your employees plays a huge role in growing your business. Another important piece is finding people that want to invest in themselves. It’s very important your employees meet you half way. Their level of commitment is key. At the end of the day your employees are a reflection of who you are. They represent your business and your brand. I encourage you to try some of these strategies with your team. Have a one on one with them once a month, ask them for feedback, and take time to strategize with them. Do this for 3 months and watch the change in your business unfold. Your reward? Being a part of something bigger than yourself, watching your team reach their goals, become successful, and one day having the necessary tools to also become a great leader.
