Businesses don’t change and grow without leadership. As an executive business coach, I’m often asked to help companies change the way they operate so that they can achieve more, execute your business better, be more profitable, and grow. I can tell you without hesitation that those things never happen unless the company’s leadership is committed to change. And almost without exception, the first thing that needs to change is the leadership itself. I’m not talking about getting rid of the existing leadership. I’m talking about the fact that those in positions of leadership need to change the way they think about things, and the way they do things if they want to grow. Here’s what leadership looks like to a business coach.
Vision
A good business leader is responsible for creating, refining, and keeping the company’s focus on their vision. People won’t follow if there isn’t a clear vision. And while you, as the leader—can’t perform all the functions of your business, you have to make sure that your strategy and your execution are in alignment with your corporate vision. Of course, details matter, but those details need to be driven by the big picture. One of the most important things I do as a Colorado business coach is to remind leadership to examine their vision. Is it still valid? Does it need to be adjusted to meet the needs of the marketplace? Are there measurable metrics in place that indicate you’re on the right track?
Enabling Others
Even though you may be responsible for your company’s vision, you can’t achieve your goals by yourself. Here’s a post that exposes the myth of the “One-Man-Show” style of leadership. You need others around you to transform and grow your business. But it’s not just a matter of hiring the right people (as important as that is). True leadership involves equipping your people for the tasks you expect them to do. It involves developing your key personnel, allowing them to reach their full potential, and then giving them the chance to succeed (and maybe fail occasionally).
Self-improvement and On-Going Learning
If you want to transform and grow your business, you have to transform and grow yourself and your people. It’s been said that if you want to scale your business up 10x that you have to 10x your people (and that includes you). I’m committed to that as a business coach. It’s why I’m constantly learning about industry-best practices and ideas. That’s also why I regularly add to the Resources Page on my website so that the people I work with can check out information that will change the way they think—and act—as they grow their businesses.
Those are a few of the ways that I—as a business coach—look at leadership. I’ve also found that it’s extremely helpful for leaders to take an objective look at their own leadership style and capability. If you click on the “BUSINESS NOT GROWING?” button below, it will take you to a 5-minute assessment of your current situation—including an assessment of your leadership. I’d encourage you to do that. It’s hard to make changes in your leadership if you don’t know where you currently stand. This assessment can help you see what you need to work on to become the leader you want and need to be.
Need help growing your business? With over 35 years of experience and thousands of companies assisted, Chuck Kocher and The Transformation Company can help you scale your business into a truly exceptional business capable of high growth strategies. Businesses are always changing, don’t let yours be left behind. Stand out with our business and executive leadership programs – designed to challenge and improve your business. Your business will thank you for it. Contact me today for a free consultation! 719-339-9505