If you want to run your business in a way that will get you to the next level, you may need to work on your leadership style. This is something you may want to talk to a career coach about. Different styles may work for different types of businesses.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
For example, if you are in a collaborative environment, one in which it is important to get other people’s opinions and contributions in order to succeed, then being an autocratic manager will not work for your situation. You cannot do a “my way or the highway” type of attitude in such a situation, or you will end up alienating your staff.
On the other hand, there are indeed times and job situation when a more autocratic, hands-on management style is appropriate. For example, when you are first starting your business, it is important that you pay attention to everything that is going on. If you allow others to do your books, and you do not actually sign the checks, instead allowing others to do that for you, you could end up running out of money – or even be the victim of financial shenanigans – by not paying attention.
The Situation may Call for Different Leadership Styles
So you may want to talk to a career coach about your leadership style. Here’s the thing, though – you are not going to have a personality transplant. That is not what career or executive coaching is about. The idea is, though, to find a way to successfully run your business, get the most out of your staff, and successfully make sure that you are about to work hard to overcome any obstacles you may face.
An executive or career coach can help you work on things like your listening skills, your ability to give feedback, and your ability to communicate to others. You may need to work on being understood, as well as understanding others. That is an important part of any leadership style.
If you are not hands-on as a manager, that may work for some situations, but not for others. It really depends on your individual situation.
In addition, some situations may just not be right for you. If you are working under incompetent or even corrupt management, you may not be able to grow your business, no matter how much you try to make your management style great.
Changing your Leadership Style
If you want to run your business in a way that will get you to the next level, you may need to work on your leadership style. This is something you may want to talk to a career coach about. Different styles may work for different types of businesses.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
For example, if you are in a collaborative environment, one in which it is important to get other people’s opinions and contributions in order to succeed, then being an autocratic manager will not work for your situation. You cannot do a “my way or the highway” type of attitude in such a situation, or you will end up alienating your staff.
On the other hand, there are indeed times and job situation when a more autocratic, hands-on management style is appropriate. For example, when you are first starting your business, it is important that you pay attention to everything that is going on. If you allow others to do your books, and you do not actually sign the checks, instead allowing others to do that for you, you could end up running out of money – or even be the victim of financial shenanigans – by not paying attention.
The same goes if your business is part of a franchise that gets in trouble. There are things that may be completely out of your control that could negatively affect your business.
What else a Career Coach can do for you
At any rate, you want a career coach who can work with you on your leadership style, and make it the best for your situation. For example, if you need to have a more collaborative work style, the coach can help you work on how you can be more willing to accept feedback and get results.
To learn more, visit the InstituteforCoaching.com site.
Lisa Swan writes for a variety of websites.