What Advice Would You Give to Someone Stepping into a Business Leader Role?
Stepping into a Business Leader role can be a transformative experience, and to guide you through it, we've gathered eleven pieces of advice from CEOs and Founders. From understanding your team's historical context to adopting a learn-by-doing approach, these seasoned leaders offer a wealth of knowledge for the new trailblazers of industry.
- Understand Team's Historical Context
- Build Strong Relationships
- Embrace Humble Leadership
- Support and Empower Your Team
- Show Genuine Empathy
- Prioritize Communication and Listening
- Commit to Lifelong Learning
- Build Trust with Your Team
- Value Listening and Collaboration
- Foster a Positive Company Culture
- Adopt a Learn-by-Doing Approach
Understand Team's Historical Context
My advice is to know the team's history—what worked, what failed, and how to leverage this knowledge to guide future decisions. A thorough understanding of the background of your team is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insight into past successes that can be used as a basis for future success. For instance, if a certain project management tool facilitated effective collaboration and timely completion, it might be beneficial to continue its use or adapt its principles to new tools. Secondly, learning from past failures can prevent the same mistakes from being repeated. In the case of strategies that failed to deliver desired results, understanding the reasons for their failure can help develop better solutions.
For example, if a marketing campaign fell short in the past due to poor audience analysis, prioritizing thorough market research in future campaigns can lead to better outcomes. Being knowledgeable about the team's history can let you be more effective in leading the team—knowing the dynamics, strengths, and weaknesses of each individual can help in delegating tasks, providing guidance, and fostering a positive work environment. It also shows your team that you value their past efforts and are invested in the team's success.
Build Strong Relationships
As someone who has navigated the challenges and triumphs of running an explainer video company, my key piece of advice to anyone stepping into a business leader role for the first time is to prioritize building strong relationships. Success in business is not just about having a great product or service; it's about the people you connect with along the way. This includes your team, clients, partners, and even competitors.
Take the time to understand your team's strengths and weaknesses, and foster a culture of open communication and collaboration. Be genuinely interested in your clients' needs and challenges, and strive to provide value beyond what they expect. Seek out partnerships with other businesses that complement yours, as these alliances can open doors to new opportunities and insights. Most importantly, lead with empathy and integrity. Building trust and maintaining strong, positive relationships will create a solid foundation for your business to thrive and grow.
Embrace Humble Leadership
Be a humble leader. Caring for your team and cultivating relationships with them is equally important as building relationships with clients. I am always seeking ways to learn from my team by actively listening to their ideas and concerns, regardless of the position they hold within my agency. The preconceived notion that a leader has much to teach is already there. Stepping into a role as a leader and learner is a great starting point for building a healthy relationship with a team that has a desire to be led.
Support and Empower Your Team
If you prop up your team, they’ll prop you up. If you stand on your team, they’ll make you look smaller. Focus on supporting and empowering your team, and they’ll drive your success.
Show Genuine Empathy
Be a sympathetic leader. Unfortunately, many leaders were elevated to their roles based on prior performance or professional credentials, but they received little or no leadership training. Being truthful with your team does not imply being best friends with them. It entails sharing our shared human experience, breaking down protective barriers, and demonstrating that you, too, are a genuine person. It makes you appear more personable and allows you to gain respect. Do you still have the position of boss? Yes, but by demonstrating empathy and mutual respect, employees are significantly more willing to provide and accept candid feedback.
Prioritize Communication and Listening
When stepping into a Business Leader role for the first time, one piece of advice I would offer is to prioritize effective communication and active listening. In my experience, the ability to clearly articulate your vision and expectations, while also genuinely listening to your team, fosters a collaborative and productive environment. Early in my career, I found that when I took the time to listen to my team’s feedback and concerns, it not only built trust but also led to innovative solutions that I might not have considered on my own.
I remember a specific instance when I was leading a project, and a team member suggested a strategy that diverged from the initial plan. By actively listening and being open to new ideas, we implemented their suggestion, which ultimately improved our results significantly. This experience underscored the importance of valuing each team member’s input and maintaining open lines of communication. As a new Business Leader, embracing this approach can help you build a cohesive team and drive your organization towards success.
Commit to Lifelong Learning
Keep learning. As a business leader, work hard every day to have a deeper understanding of your sector. Understand the dynamics of your team. Broaden your horizons to accept new individuals and ideas. Innovation should be an essential aspect of your development. Leading with humility and accepting that you don't know everything boosts confidence. To be an effective leader, commit to lifelong learning. Accept the opportunity to further your career with a master's degree in Business Administration. Obtaining an MBA will widen your understanding of business fundamentals, improve your problem-solving abilities, and allow you to network with other industry professionals.
Build Trust with Your Team
One crucial piece of advice I'd give to someone stepping into a Business Leader role for the first time is to prioritize building trust with your team. As a new leader, it's tempting to want to prove yourself by making big changes or asserting your authority.
However, I've found that the most effective leaders start by listening and understanding. Take the time to get to know your team members, their strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Be transparent about your vision and goals, but also be open to their insights and ideas. Show that you value their expertise and are willing to support their growth.
Trust is the foundation of a high-performing team, and it's earned through consistent actions, not just words. Remember, your success as a leader is directly tied to the success of your team. By fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect, you'll be better positioned to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and achieve your business objectives.
Value Listening and Collaboration
Embrace the art of listening. When I first started PRESS, I quickly learned that understanding my team's perspectives and my clients' needs was invaluable. By truly listening, you gain insights that help you make informed decisions and foster a collaborative environment. One time, a therapist suggested a small change to our scheduling process that significantly improved client flow and satisfaction. Remember, leadership isn't just about making decisions; it's about empowering others to share their ideas and solutions. And hey, don't forget to celebrate the small wins—they build momentum and morale.
Foster a Positive Company Culture
From my experience as the founder and CEO, I have found that the foundation of a successful organization lies in its culture. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more motivated and productive. So my advice is to prioritize building a strong and positive company culture.
Open communication is also crucial; ensure that your team feels comfortable sharing ideas and feedback. Invest in your employees' growth and development. Providing opportunities for learning and career advancement shows your commitment to their success, which in turn boosts morale and loyalty. Remember, the well-being of your team directly impacts the overall health of your business.
Cultivating a positive culture is not just beneficial for your employees, but it also attracts top talent and enhances your company’s reputation.
Adopt a Learn-by-Doing Approach
One piece of advice I'd offer is to embrace a "learn by doing" mentality. Early in my career, I found that the best way to understand the nuances of leadership was through hands-on experience, even if it meant making a few mistakes along the way. It's crucial to seek out mentorship and actively listen to feedback from both peers and team members. This approach builds credibility and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Remember, leadership is about empowering others to succeed, so don't hesitate to delegate and trust your team's expertise. This blend of practical learning, humility, and empowering leadership has proven invaluable in navigating the challenges and rewards of leading a business.
