The Essential Attributes you need to Create Robust Business Growth.

Following on from last week’s post on what you need to create a successful business, the first point to consider are your leadership and management abilities.

Although there will be an overlap between the two, behaving as a leader or manager at the appropriate time will have a real impact on your business.

As a manager you will typically focus on tasks, processes, and day-to-day operations. Ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and according to laid down procedures.

Whereas as a leader you will focus on the big picture, setting direction, inspiring others, and driving change. Being more concerned with long-term vision and the strategy to achieve it.

Your authority as a manager will be derived from your position within your organisation’s structure. Your influence as a leader may not always come from formal authority. It will be derived from your ability to inspire, motivate and guide others towards a shared vision or goal, leading by example and being persuasive.

Faced with a problem in your manager role you will probably apply experience with a focus on implementing an efficient and prompt solution.

By contrast, as a leader you are expected to be more innovative and forward-thinking in your problem solving approach. Consider challenging the status quo, encouraging creative thinking, and taking calculated risks to drive progress and change.

Your role as a manager will be to organise tasks to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

Behaving as a leader your priority will be focused on your team, developing and empowering individuals, engendering synergy and fostering a positive business culture.

In practice, running your business often involves elements of both management and leadership. Many successful leaders also possess strong managerial skills and effective managers often demonstrate leadership qualities.

The key lies in understanding the circumstances and achieving the right balance between managing tasks and leading people to accomplish your business’s goals.