This post is contributed by Jason Dirkham
How do you approach business? Maybe it’s a means to an end? Maybe it’s something you love and enjoy and live for? Or maybe it’s something you’re just starting to think about, because you want to own a business of your own? But of course, you’re aware of all the things that could potentially go wrong, and you’re keen to ensure you’ll do your best as a business leader.
Being an effective business leader means something different to everyone who wants to achieve it, but there are a few things an effective leader will always have in common with every other one. And if you’re curious, or you’re striving to become a better leader yourself, here a few of the main signs to think about.
What would you consider an effective business leader?
They’re Cautious with Their Money
They know the value of money. They know it fuels their business, and that it makes the world go round. And they’re willing to put some of their capital at risk from time to time, with investments and expansion projects, but they always play it safe otherwise. An effective business leader understands money, and know that it requires caution when you’ve got an entire enterprise to run.
They’re also not afraid to reach out for money and budgeting help. They know that sometimes it requires an expert to look at the books and be able to balance them – after all, an effective business leader puts the money first!
They Know What They Can and Can’t Do
Following on from the point above, an effective business leader is able to identify both their strengths and their weaknesses, and they’re not afraid of either of them. They can admit where they need help, or where they need to bring someone else on board to take care of a job for them.
They know that strengths and weaknesses are a big part of business, and prepare accordingly for dealing with both. They can put them both to good use for the sake of their business. It’s what makes the job exciting and interesting, and that’s a big part of being passionate about what they go in to work for every single day.
A leader is not someone who always knows best, and bowls over the expertise of others. Just as they should know what their weaknesses are, they should also know that it’s worth taking the time to really listen when talking to members of the team, especially about the work that they do. Active listening is one of the most important skills in leadership, as Monty Cerf points out, and not only does it make you more likely to glean useful insights, it helps your team members feel valued and respected.
They Search For the New
The best leaders will always find ways to plow new grounds, purely because they have never been down that road before! While many entrepreneurs need to go down a certain road only to ensure that it will benefit them or their business, many people are curious enough to go down a rabbit hole, despite the negative outcome. This is all about a glass-half-full mentality. Going back to some form of education can seem like a big effort, but getting a handful of credits may be all the encouragement you need to get back to school! Even in some online DNP programs 30 credits would be all that you need to spur you onto something new.
Searching for something new needs to be a part of your mindset. And if you don’t have this attitude just yet, don’t force it. It will come. Just become a bit more intrigued by certain things and as you get older, you may find new ways of learning and doing business.
This post is contributed by Jason Dirkham
