As a business owner and business leader I should be the one who does all of the talking, right? That’s my right as the one who’s gotten the business to where it is today and I am obviously the most knowledgeable. If you think that, you need to take a step back and rethink your leadership style and methods.
Do you work with a team? Have you grown your business to a point where you have hired staff? Do you stand up on a metaphorical pedestal and reign down orders and commands? Does your staff respond? Are they productive? Chances are they are not as productive or engaged as they could be. Change your leadership style and you may see productivity soar and employee engagement improve.
What can you do to be a better, more effective, leader? Listen more. It’s not always easy to step back and take the advice of others or to trust in their judgement but you just might be surprised if you give them a chance. Here are my tips for listening more, and better:
- Ask employees or business partners for their input. If they make a suggestion that sounds “doable” take a chance, give them the reins and let them run with the project or suggestion they’ve made.
- Even if a suggestion doesn’t quite go as planned or reap the results you’d hoped, it’s not the end of the world. You simply need to step back, regroup and start over. Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- Learn to let go. When you are just starting out as a business owner it’s natural to think you have to “do it all” but as you grow, you need to let loose of the control — even if it’s in small increments. You need to trust your instincts and know that you’ve hired the best people possible.
When is the last time you truly listened?