The Secret to Becoming a Better Leader for Your Small Business
Have you ever wondered why some businesses thrive while others struggle? Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret – it all comes down to leadership. Yes, that’s right! Whether you’re running a big company or going solo, being a great leader is the key to success.
Now, you might be thinking, But I’m not a leader! I just have myself to worry about. Well, let me tell you, my friend, everyone has the potential to be a leader, no matter how big or small their team.
In this special episode of Small Biz in :15, I had the pleasure of speaking with Paula Jenkins, the brilliant mind behind LFS Consulting. She knows a thing or two about leadership, and she’s here to share her wisdom with you.
Before we dive in, I want to make sure you know that this is an edited transcript of our interview. If you want to see the full conversation and hear Paula’s valuable insights firsthand, just hit that play button above.
Contents
What Does It Mean to Be a Great Leader?
Jenkins tells us that the best leaders are the ones who aren’t afraid to ask for help. I can’t stress this enough – the best leaders are the ones who raise their hands and say they need help.
For some of us, it might take a little longer to do that. And let me tell you, it’s not easy. But once you take that leap and start realizing how much the help actually benefits you, that’s when things really start to change for your business. And believe me, it’s not an easy road.
How does this relate to small businesses?
Shawn Hessinger: A bunch of small business owners, and especially individuals starting their own businesses, might not think of themselves as leaders. They know their stuff, they know the specific area they’re working in. So, I’m wondering, why is leadership important for small businesses? Like, why is it so crucial for you to think about this from the start?
Paula Jenkins: Yeah, that’s an excellent question. Often, we don’t even consider it. We don’t realize the connection between our success and the ability to sustain our business. And that’s where leadership comes in. It’s about how you guide your business, how you handle your business finances, and how you manage your presence on social media. Sometimes, we tend to think of leadership as being just one person. But it’s more than that – it’s about being a team, a group, or even an entire organization.
So, whether you have a team or not, that’s not what really matters. What’s important is that you understand the way you lead and how you present yourself. No matter how big or small your business is, that’s the crucial part.
What is Leadership?
Shawn Hessinger: How would you define leadership?
Paula Jenkins: Leadership is about influencing others, that’s what it’s all about. Whether you’re guiding people or shaping their thoughts and actions, leadership is about the impact you have on someone, a group, or a team. That’s what it ultimately boils down to.
There are many words we can use, but in the end, we all have the power to influence someone else. That’s what leadership is to me – guiding and influencing others in their actions and behaviors. It’s about making a difference.
What does it mean to be a leader?
Shawn Hessinger: When you think of leaders, you might have a certain idea in your head. But leadership comes in different forms and styles, doesn’t it?
Well, there are different types of leaders. Some are very focused on getting things done, while others are more collaborative and relationship-oriented. Both approaches have their merits, depending on the situation.
Speaking for myself, I haven’t taken the time to categorize myself as a specific type of leader. There are just too many different variations out there. What’s important is understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing the context in which you’re working.
Discovering Your Leadership Style
Shawn Hessinger: So, how can I figure out what kind of leader I am? Is it about discovering my natural tendencies, or is it more about deciding on the leader I want to be?
There are many times when we don’t understand something. It’s because the situation, the environment, and people’s personalities can make a difference. And it’s not about being good or bad. It’s about what is needed at that time.
What makes a good leader?
Shawn Hessinger: When we see lists of qualities that make a good leader, we might worry if we have those personality types. But do we really know? What are some signs that show you might be a good leader?
Paula Jenkins: Well, let me tell you something. Communication is everything to me. When it comes to leadership, it all begins and ends with how we communicate. Some of us are great at it, others need work, and some of us aren’t so good. I get that. But communication is the key.
How we speak to our teams, our people, and our investors is crucial. That’s the most important part, in my opinion. But there are other important aspects too. It’s about how much we care, the empathy we show. I also place a lot of importance on emotional intelligence – understanding ourselves, controlling our emotions, staying motivated, and all that stuff. But I always say it starts with how we communicate.
The Big Idea
So, listen up! A big part of being a leader is knowing what’s going on around you and what works for the people you’re leading. It’s an important aspect of leadership, ya know? And don’t be afraid to figure out who you are by asking questions. It’s actually a good thing, not a bad thing. Trust me, it’s all good!