In a small business environment, the owner or top manager usually wears the most and the biggest hats. Perhaps he or she knows the most about many aspects of the company’s products or services and has the greatest vision.
Their leadership position may lead to them being consulted for big decisions such as sales and growth strategies, plus roles in lots of tiny things like décor, software, and even color of desks.
But is this real leadership? Not necessarily.
People with expertise should certainly be placed in a position where these skills can do the most good. This philosophy works, for the most part, at larger companies especially where the talented people are encouraged to rise to the top.
But in a smaller, start-up organization, a top person, especially someone with ownership, may feel they should show leadership by exercising control and providing input, even into areas that they don’t necessarily have the most expertise.
Instead, how about delegating some of these duties? This can accomplish several objectives.
- Fewer responsibilities on your plate. By giving up some areas you aren’t that interested in or good at, you can remove these burdens.
- More responsibilities in other areas. Instead of focusing on landscaping, computer support, supply shopping or taking customer calls, you’ll be able to focus more on the critical areas of your organization.
- More opportunities for others. Your employees might enjoy taking on more responsibilities and duties. It makes them more valuable, lets them demonstrate different skills or learn new ones, or allow you to focus on larger objectives. This also empowers them and gives them more of a stake in the success of your organization.
- Brings in more talent. Whether you’re tapping the skills of people already in your organization, bringing in new ones with certain skills as your company grows, or hire outside contractors to help, these all give your organization access to more people. This way, everyone sees success under your leadership rather than you trying to be a direct part of every process.
For more business strategies, visit Goldendale Capital.
