Leadership is a skill that must be learned, cultivated and nurtured to be effective. It’s a highly desirable skill in today’s business world, and of course, that’s because good leaders make good bosses, and competent managers, directors, and executives. If you’re a business owner, it’s worth brushing up on your leadership skills so you can advance your company’s mission and lead your team toward a successful future for everyone. Here are the top four secrets of success every leader knows – and now you do, too!
Create a sense of belonging within your company.
Create a world where everyone feels they belong in your company. Being part of the company, rather than just someone who clocks in and out for pay, makes employees feel valued, more like part of a big family. For example, If you create a work environment where everyone feels heard, valued and part of the team, you’ll reap the rewards. Retaining employees is just as important as finding great ones, saving you time and money. And if you can keep your employees with you over the long term, they will grow with your brand and they’ll be more likely to give you their best. And when it comes to your customers, you can create a sense of belonging by interacting with your followers online and greeting people in person offline. Make your brand feel warm and welcoming, and people will most often espond in kind.
Earn their trust.
Foster online trust that enables offline interactions and connections. This includes responding personally to complaints and hearing suggestions and showing you are listening and have their best interests at heart. Be more than a product to sell. Be authentic, honest, and engage with people. Apologize for any mistakes and follow through on promises. All of this goes a long way in building customer loyalty, which is the primary goal of any brand.
Teach your employees about hospitality.
Help people deliver “service with heart” if you own a service-oriented company. This may include restaurant staff, salon staff, hotels, retail stores, and anywhere you’re offering, as we say in the industry, “service with a smile.” But we all know a smile only goes so far. Teach your staff about how to speak to customers and offer friendly, but not pushy customer service. Make sure they know how to greet people and graciously resolve any issues that may come up. Have a customer service guide sheet they can look to, and most importantly, don’t forget to lead by example.
Build community.
Build a global network of other leaders in your field so you can kick ideas around together and so you can learn. All great leaders are lifelong students, and the trick is knowing which advice to take and which to leave. Get inspired by, and inspire others. Build a network of trusted professionals you can seek out and that offer insight, and actively engage with them online, and if possible, at community events. The more people you have in your network, the better, but don’t rush this process. Grow your connections over time and build trust. If you’re not sure how to start, try social media and search for groups in your industry. LinkedIn and Facebook are great places online to start, and they are also free. A win-win.
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