Invisible Leaders Can’t Help Companies Scale Up
Some businesses have executive leaders who are highly visible and deeply engaged with their teams. In contrast, other businesses may have leaders who are sequestered and isolated from their employees. These leaders are rarely seen outside of the executive suite, which can create a disconnect. It is extremely difficult for an invisible or remote leader to effectively guide a company through its scale-up efforts. When leaders are not present, they miss out on valuable interactions that can drive growth and innovation.
Involved but Not Invasive
We’ve all known—or at least heard about—leaders who become overly involved in the daily details of their businesses. However, what I am discussing here is not about “getting down in the weeds” and attempting to do someone else’s job for them. That kind of involvement does not aid the scaling-up process. For one thing, the employee, ideally, knows how to perform his or her specific task better than the CEO. Beyond that, if the CEO is preoccupied with tactical tasks, he or she will not have the time or energy to devote to the critical tasks of vision and strategy. The leader needs to be involved, but this involvement should not be invasive.
Effective business leaders understand the balance between being present and allowing their teams to operate independently. They should provide guidance and support without micromanaging. This approach fosters a sense of ownership among employees, encouraging them to take initiative and contribute to the company’s growth. When leaders step back and allow their teams to shine, they create an environment where innovation can flourish.
Leadership Involvement Impacts Culture
Having an involved leader can have a powerful positive impact on the company’s culture and the overall attitude of the employees. A leader who is engaged and approachable can inspire their team, creating a sense of unity and purpose. Let me give you an example from a business you might not think of as a “growth-oriented” business. Keep in mind, however, that for virtually any business, if you’re not growing, you’re probably slowing.
What’s Up, Doc?
A colleague recently shared a story about a successful medical office that was experiencing a bit of a culture crisis. The lead physician, who also owned the practice, became aware of the problem because he met regularly with the business manager to review the operations. During these meetings, it became clear to the doctor that something was amiss. Employees seemed a little down and discouraged—and that kind of attitude was beginning to affect the patients, who are essentially the “customers” in this context.
The physician had plenty to do each day. In addition to seeing patients, staying current on new medical developments, and overseeing the business, he faced an overwhelming amount of paperwork—more than ever due to new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) requirements. Still, he recognized the importance of reaching out to his staff. He understood that a positive workplace culture directly impacts patient care and satisfaction.
So, this doctor made a point to walk through the office after all patients had been seen but before employees had left for the day. When they had a good day, he would congratulate them on the excellent work they had done and express his gratitude to the staff. When they had a tough day, he would acknowledge that fact—and again thank them for their efforts. He would then reassure them that they would work together to make the next day better.
This simple act of walking through the office and engaging with his team made a significant difference. Employees felt valued and appreciated, which boosted their morale. They were more motivated to perform well, knowing that their leader cared about their contributions. This kind of involvement fosters a culture of collaboration and support, which is essential for any organization looking to scale up.
In conclusion, the presence of a visible and engaged leader is crucial for a company’s growth. Leaders must find the right balance between involvement and autonomy, ensuring that they support their teams without becoming intrusive. By doing so, they can create a positive culture that encourages innovation and drives success. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a leader can significantly impact the overall health of a business, making it essential for leaders to be present and engaged in their organizations.
What if You’re Not a “Cheerleader”?
It didn’t take a lot of time to connect with all of the employees—but it was an intentional act that he did consistently. He began to notice an improvement in morale—and the employees even noticed an improvement in the disposition of the patients. That’s critical because few businesses rely more heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations than doctor’s offices.
Perhaps you don’t see yourself as the type of person who runs around rallying the troops. That’s not the point. This particular doctor isn’t a cheerleader, either. Still, his staff responded very favorably to the fact that he was aware of what they were going through daily and that he communicated his awareness and concern for them. Being visible and “involved” made a huge difference.
Disengaged leadership (even if it’s only a perception) is a trap for any scaling company. There are other traps you need to be aware of that can hinder your attempts to scale up your company. That’s why I wrote, Avoiding the Growth Traps. This free eBook can help you identify—and avoid—many of the common mistakes that scaling businesses face. I invite you to check it out for yourself.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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