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For any business to thrive, effective leadership is a must. Entrepreneurs like Alexander Dillon know that the best business culture begins at the top.
But there’s much more to being a strong leader than simply doling out orders. A truly great leader holds a number of qualities that ensure each employee can do their best work and help the business thrive. Read on for Dillon’s advice on the modern leadership qualities that shape a business.
Why Effective Leadership Matters in Business
An efficient, clear-minded business leader is responsible for guiding employees toward a singular shared goal. Dillon notes that an effective business leader isn’t responsible for making every single company decision but instead building a competent team that trusts its decision-making skills and works together toward shared business goals.
Effective leaders must think about the bigger picture and regularly motivate the rest of the business. Regardless of the position — CEO, editor-in-chief, or entrepreneur — a good leader can make or break a company.
Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks
A key attribute of an effective business leader is the willingness to take risks. In today’s competitive marketplace, successful companies need to be able to experiment.
However, the entire team may feel they need permission from the very top to explore new ideas. Leaders should encourage trial and error and even failure, as this is where the best ideas often begin. The business will thrive by fostering an environment where creative risks are rewarded.
Communicate Honestly with Your Team
An atmosphere of secrecy will stifle any business, but leading with transparency will garner better results. A successful leader should encourage open communication among teams — even if it means criticism of their own ideas.
After all, if everyone in the business is too afraid to share their notes with the CEO, true collaboration will never be possible. Thoughtful, respectful critique should always be supported, as it will lead to the best versions of new ideas.
Create Opportunities for Teaching Moments
It may seem that the central role of a business leader is to simply delegate tasks, but Dillon explains that this is far from the truth. In actuality, the best leaders turn business needs into teachable moments.
When problems arise, effective business leaders will work collaboratively with employees to decide on a course of action rather than simply directing staff on exactly what to do. This collaborative problem-solving allows the team members to be more involved in their work and gives the leader better insight into the company’s daily operations.
Follow a Clear Goal
One of the primary responsibilities of a leader in any company is to set the overall mission for the business and ensure everyone is working towards that goal. It can help to regularly check in with various teams to see if they understand the company’s overall vision — if not, you’re doing something wrong, Alex Dillon explains.
A successful business leader will keep everyone within the company on track and inspire each employee with the vision of the business. A leader’s passion and focus should always shine through.
Encourage Personal Development
Finally, any business leader is responsible for setting the work-life balance of their company. While you may be constantly working towards your vision, it’s crucial to stress personal development for your employees.
Allowing room for volunteer time, conferences, classes, and beyond for your team will only benefit your business in the long run. And giving your employees the necessary time off to recharge ensures they can give their all while at work without the threat of burnout.
