Business Coaching

Are you the leader of your business or just a business owner who is really a glorified manager?

You may ask, what’s the difference?

Managers should concentrate on the technical side of any business, directing people, making sure tasks are completed on time and deadlines are met.

The role of a leader is very different.

A leader isn’t a technician.

Instead, a leader is a generalist who needs to be able to see the entire business for what it is.

It’s important that a leader isn’t focused on day to day tasks because a leader is responsible for the overall health of the company and it’s very difficult to concentrate on a company’s long term health when you are dealing with its day to day activities.

The leader’s role is to understand what can help the company grow and delegate those responsibilities to others, including managers who are tasked with getting things done.

If the leader’s role comes down too far on the side of a technician, the business will suffer because no one is focused on the company’s long-term viability.

In this situation, the business’ growth and long-term prosperity are neglected.

That’s why owners of small and medium sized businesses have to stop thinking like managers and start thinking like leaders.

This change in mindset doesn’t come easy.

The owner that manages the day to day activities of the business has to make some changes to what they do and how they think about their role in the business, including hiring someone to look over the everyday activities of the business.

In other words, these business owners have to learn to let go and trust someone else to run the technical side of the business, so they can concentrate on the bigger picture and build the business they’ve always dreamed of.

It’s a tough job market out there for those who have been laid off or, even worse, just graduated college.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 19.7% of 2009 graduates landed a job.

Who knows how many tries that took, too…and the unemployment rate in some states is either climbing or stagnant.

However, if you’ve still got your job and business afloat, now is a great time to really prove what you can do.

Whether you’re a manager or work for a manager, secure your job and position yourself for success – even in the recession.

If you’re an employee:

• Do your research and find out which managers are moving up the chain or overwhelmed. Then volunteer to help out as necessary.
• Along with the first point, be prepared to take on work you might not normally do, work long hours, or difficult tasks.
• Maintain contacts – work with other departments and form good working relationships…you never know when you may need them again.
• It’s a recession, so any worthwhile suggestions in how to cut costs are appreciated – just make sure you play a part in the effort.

Some extra pointers for managers or business owners:

• Save now to make a smart investment for the future
• Motivate employees to do great work
• Find out if you’re meeting all customers’ needs
• Find ways to differentiate your business from competitors

It’s probably a good idea to take a cue from ActionCOACH’s 14 points of culture, too: be positive, grateful, a team player and commit to excellent and successful results.