How easy is it to grow your business? And are your leadership skills up for the task? Today’s leaders are not just decision makers. There’s so much more to consider when looking at the necessary skills for strong leadership. And what might separate the good leaders from the great leaders may surprise you. Some of the best leadership skills connect to their emotional, real selves. Having emotional intelligence, approachability, and vulnerability are sometimes more important than other, more business-like skills. These “soft skills” can build loyalty in your company because people trust realness. This loyalty help grow your business.
In business today, the meaning of productivity changed. It used to be that productivity meant working efficiently to achieve maximum output. Think: long hours at the office and often never turning work off. More and more, however, the culture of productivity is measured by a balanced life that prioritizes work, family, nature, and community. Not living for your work is one way to become more productive in your work. See one of our older posts: https://boxwell.co/how-the-meaning-of-productivity-has-changed-in-business/
More and more, the culture of productivity is measured by a balanced life that prioritizes work, family, nature, and community. Let’s look at three surprising leadership skills that can help create this balanced life AND grow your business.
Being book smart isn’t everything.
Navigating relationships and communications with a new level of grace and power is also important. This emotional intelligence means that you need to be real. Lead your business with honesty and transparency (especially in tough times). And trust your instincts. Growth comes from being able go with the flow and be open to change. Be sure to stick to your company’s core values, even in tough situations. The most effective bold leaders are clear about where they are going, how they will get there. And they know just how to communicate that vision to their team.
Put yourself out there.
Leaders who are respected are approachable and aim to connect with their employees to gain new insight into how things work. They are leaders who roll up their sleeves and dig in! They engage with employees, ask questions, and actively listen to truly understand current issues. This approach helps a team find solutions together. With insight, innovation, and customer feedback, approachable leaders make better decisions.
Be sure to keep your priorities clear. We all love clarity and transparency. So set goals for your business. Don’t do anything without a plan. If you and your team know what you’re looking for, you’ll recognize the right opportunity when it comes along. Approachable leaders can identify what needs to change and rally others to a solution.
We all have strengths and weaknesses.
Good and bad qualities exist in the people and products of your business. For you and your team, see if you can boost what’s positive and work to overcome any shortcomings. There’s enormous power in being openly vulnerable. Be sure to hire a variety of skillsets so that your team complements each other. And provide opportunities for your team to do things outside their comfort zone.
For your product or service, highlight the best features and innovate to improve the rest. There’s always room for improvement. When you’re aware of what you have and what you want to achieve, it’s easier to see how to get there and grow your business and bottom line. But remember that the bottom line is not always your #1 priority. Keep your organization happy and heathy from the inside out. In another Boxwell blog post, Being a Well-Rounded Company: Why It’s a Good Idea, we discuss cultivating a happy workplace to achieve success.
To grow your business, it’s important to look beyond the walls of your office. Business leaders should aim to live multi-dimensional lives. Set the example that a balanced life is essential for a happy life. Being happy is conducive to being a productive leader. Grow your business this way! Be honest and fully transparent with your team and expect the same from them. Having these soft, yet solid leadership skills will trickle down for the success of your business.
