7 Signs of Good Leadership In A Startup Company
Having good leadership when you’re birthing a startup company is important. Take a look at these signs to confirm if your leadership is on the right track.
Poor leaders give birth to weak organizations. Ask anyone who started a business and lacked leadership skills. There have been plenty of books written on the subject and many opinions on what great leadership is.
The styles of leadership vary based on the type of business you are running and the service you provide. As a start-up company, it is important to determine the personality and structure of the organization you want to have.
A brick and mortar operation may need a separate set of skills than a virtual business. Just as a business catering to kids will have a different set of standards than a business that may be more structured towards a mature clientele.
It is the leader’s job to identify employees that fit the characteristics of the brand. Continue reading for seven signs of good leadership.
1. Leaders Have a Clear Vision for the Company
Before anyone can lead they must have a clear vision of where they want to take the company. Without a vision, there is the potential for chaos and failure.
True leaders have a vision that shapes the foundation of companies. They are able to express that vision to their employees in a way that builds belief in their ability to guide them to their intended destination.
The late Steve Jobs was a great visionary because he understood that he had to be clear about the future to sell his vision to his team and employees.
2. Leaders Must Be Energetic
There is nothing worse than trying to stay motivated under the leadership of someone who lacks energy. It’s like going to a Spin class, but the instructor isn’t on a bike and is talking in a monotone voice.
Energetic leaders light up a room upon entering. People feed off of their energy and want to be a part of whatever he or she is selling.
Energetic leaders convey their vision for the company with a level of confidence. This confidence inspires the audience to take action towards a goal. Their energy extends to the people they lead, boosting the success of the business.
3. Good Leadership Requires Conviction
When people agree with the direction they’re heading, they rally behind their leader. However, that can change with the next decision.
There comes a time in every leader’s career when they must make an unpopular decision. These moments test the leader’s character and resolve.
Having people question your decision-making abilities can shake a person who lacks confidence and good leadership skills.
You will need to be able to articulate your decision and explain why you have chosen to take that route. When people question your choices, you can’t get angry or vengeful. You will need to stand firm and allow the chips to fall where they may.
4. You Must Have Motivation Skills
Starting a business is no easy feat, especially if it is your first start-up. Good leaders need to motivate themselves and others on a daily basis.
Motivational skills include staying focused on the direction of the company. Employees who feel they are a part of the company’s success are usually motivated to do their best work.
Good leadership includes giving employees a voice, rewarding their accomplishments and providing the tools they need to excel.
To keep you motivated, start the day out with a positive attitude and a game plan. Never be afraid to reward yourself for each milestone you reach.
5. Be an Inspiration to Others
Great leaders develop the next generation of leaders. Inspiring others is a trait not everyone has. It is, however, a trait of good leadership because you should be able to inspire at every level.
One of your greatest rewards will be when someone you have trained comes back to acknowledge your impact on their life. Good leaders have those experiences many times throughout their career.
When leaders withhold knowledge and information they don’t develop their employees. You should be grooming leaders within your company.
Inspiring others comes naturally to some and can be as simple as acknowledging a job well done.
6. You Need to be a People Person
Can you be an effective leader if you are not good with people? Probably not.
Good leadership means finessing people at all levels and from different backgrounds. You must be able to communicate with potential clients to bring in new business. You also have to be able to relate to your employees regardless of their role.
Building relationships is important. Maintaining those relations will have a huge impact on your success.
A people person can make people feel comfortable in their presence and influence their decision making. Even if you are having a bad day, the people person will be able to put their problems aside and control the room with positive vibes.
7. Selflessness
If you haven’t figured it out, great leadership means making your business a top priority and recognizing you can’t do it alone. Regardless of the size of your business, you will have to rely on others to succeed.
A great leader makes sacrifices along the way to ensure their business runs like a well-oiled machine. This means compromising, turning the other cheek and getting back up when you fall.
A great leader will make many sacrifices along the way to ensure their business runs like a well-oiled machine. This means compromising, turning the other cheek and getting back up when you fall.
In the end, it will be worth it.
Do You Possess the Qualities to Become a Good Leader?
Now that you’ve read some of the traits of good leadership do you think you have what it takes to give birth to a startup company?
Connect with me if you are planning a tech start-up company and need consulting services. I can help you gain the skills to win big.
