Are you scared of leading?

In the world of small business, the most crucial department is often overlooked—the Leadership Department. Responsible for engaging and empowering teams to deliver on the business's purpose and plan, this department is too frequently neglected or poorly managed.

But why is this the case?

Is there truly a shortage of leaders, or are some of us simply too hesitant to lead?

The truth is, there is no shortage of potential great leaders. However, many leaders either don’t lead or don’t know how to lead effectively. Leadership isn't something typically taught in school or university. While we're educated in our profession, trade, or craft—the operations side of the business, like in accounting—leadership is an implicit requirement, especially for positions like Director or Manager. What often results are reluctant leaders who step into roles without a clear understanding of what's involved or how to excel as a leader.

So, what makes a good leader?

Leadership is about action, not just holding a position. Strong leadership enables us to work smarter, identify leverage points, foster innovation, and create and nurture a positive workplace culture. It empowers and engages teams to run a more efficient and effective business.

Here are the leadership principles we follow:

A = Accessibility: Inspired by Sir Richard Branson's words, "Get your extra ears strapped on, get out there and take note of your team."

E = Embrace Entrepreneurialism and Individuality: Encourage creativity and recognise the unique contributions of each team member.

I = Inspire Trust: Build a foundation of trust within your team.

O = Ownership: Never blame, deny, or make excuses—take responsibility.

U = Uncompromising Values: Hold steadfast to core values, no matter the circumstances.

Avoiding leadership and clinging to outdated ways of working won't lead to long-term success.

Don’t hesitate—start leading now.