The role of a Leader in the business world encompasses every kind of position or job description. Whether you’re the boss or a simple clerk in the company, you can apply the principles of leadership in your own department or even in disciplining yourself. Undoubtedly, being a leader is essential in running your own business. It is believed that great leaders breed success. Average leaders expect nothing but mediocrity.
To become a leader and entrepreneur at the same time requires a lot of things. You need to be the general of your own army not just someone passively standing and drinking coffee. A leader does not only commands but sets an example. Leadership is an active process of doing things thereby motivating others to work.
He/she is creative, perseverant, patient and goal-oriented. There are many attributes you can think of when talking about being a leader. But what really is essential in leadership that should be applied to make your business grow and succeed? Here are the five faces of a leader in a business venture.
1. The Planner
It is irrefutable that a good plan precedes a successful business output. The leader’s role in entrepreneurship is to be proactive. This means that ideas and business strategies are conceptualized by a good leader. Leadership involves the ability to identify present and possible problems, prospective schemes, risks and benefits of actions and tactics. He/she can analyze and solve small setbacks before reaching the crisis level.
Planning does not end in having a blueprint, leaders implement their plans well. They follow a certain process of holding a business. They assess, identify problems, plan interventions, implement them and most importantly evaluate the outcome of the projects. They are flexible and can adapt well to different situations.
2. The Counselor
Seek first to understand then to be understood. That is according to Stephen Covey, author of the renowned 7 Habits book. A leader does not make decisions alone; he does not jump into conclusions without exactly knowing what’s happening. As a counselor, he listens to his people intently. He seeks every chance to understand every situation. In case of a crisis, he/she can act as a coach which gives advices and helps co-workers to find solutions to problems.
3. The Prophet
Yes, leadership is prophetic. You are visionary. Leaders set a vision that gives the company a tangible direction. He/she uses the SMART criteria for setting goals. Goals and objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bounded.
As a prophet, leaders believe in the goals they have set. They are always prepared to make these a reality. This is very important to gain the trust of your people. They should see you as someone who has a “clear direction” towards success.
4. The Jack of all Trades
A leader should know most if not everything about the business. He/she is well versed in all aspects of the market. Leaders master the necessary skills needed even of the lowest position up to his present spot. Leaders must at least be able to troubleshoot problems on his/her own.
This is also a positive way to lead by example. How can you impart knowledge, skills and attitudes if you yourself haven’t mastered it? For you to give advices and teach, you should first learn the basics of what you’ll be sharing.
5. The Teacher
In business, it is important to share your goals and aspirations. Vision will only grow once it is shared and worked for as one. Sharing your leadership will help your business grow and develop. As you do this, you will become more convinced that your visions can become real. This will strengthen your will and determination to strive harder.
Moreover, in the other side of the coin, teaching will help you build a strong workforce. If the people around share the same goals as you do, success would be just a finger away.
6. The Motivator
Well, businesses are not all about being on top and winning. That is why it is important for a leader to become the prime mover. You should motivate others to work despite the crises you are experiencing. No matter how difficult the situation is, leaders defray a sense of calmness. They encourage workers to go on and be the best in their positions.
Leaders can also use a rewards system. According to studies, if workers expect something in return (aside from wages) like jackets, gadgets and other freebies, their performance will become better.
7. The Commander
A leader takes charge and full responsibility in all actions. Not only that, he/she is accountable with the results. There would be no blaming or pointing in times of failures. This face of leadership means that you will be in command during project implementation and evaluation.
8. The Transformer
No, it’s not the robots! Leaders transform others to become leaders as well. They inspire their people to act and think like a leader. They start by setting an example to create a fully proactive and responsible workforce.
Authors Bio: Camille Remoroza is a content writer specializing in Health, Marketing and Social Media Topics. She read and write about them constantly. She is a health care professional that focuses on the Appliances that promote health and wellness.