Starting a new business can be a daunting task. John Knight shares the lessons he has learnt on developing a vision, empowering others to follow you, and forging towards success as a team.
Have you ever had to lead a revolution?
The word ‘revolution’ may be a bit dramatic, but when you are in the thick of it, starting a new business or making changes to an existing one, it can feel just like that.
Why is that?
Because it is personal.
Personal for you as the leader and for everyone who has chosen to follow you and your vision.
Launching your own business is one of the biggest revolutions.
Some new businesses succeed, but many don’t.
These are the lessons I’ve learnt on how to bring your team along on the revolution journey.
COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL
Keeping the team informed along the way is a must.
Whenever something important happens, share it immediately.
Everything else, share as soon as you can.
The team are at the coalface, so ensure you pay attention to what is going on in their minds and in their wider life, not just at work.
YOU CANNOT AVOID THE HARD CONVERSATIONS
Tough conversations build even tougher teams.
Regardless of whether the issue is an internal or external problem, don’t shy away from having difficult conversations.
Have the discussion, fix the problem or, if necessary, agree to move past it.
DON’T JUST TALK ABOUT YOUR VISION
Having a clear vision for the future is critical, but it’s not just important that you can see it.
You need your team to be able to see and understand the vision as well.
Paint them a picture so there’s no doubt left in anyone’s mind which way the business is headed.
If you don’t, you risk losing your team’s interest, motivation and support for the common goal.
TELL US WHAT TO DO
Once you have committed to the vision and strategy, sometimes your team just want to get on with things.
Facilitating problem solving and strategic workshops with your team is important but don’t overdo it
Sometimes they want leaders to take charge and tell them what to do.
YOUR BUSINESS HAS MANY LEADERS
There are many layers of leadership in a business.
Whether you are a principal, lead agent, senior property manager or on the tools in another way, leadership comes in many forms.
Help everyone understand their leadership role and make sure they are all on the same page.
KEEP IT REAL
Authenticity and transparency breeds trust – not just in the leadership team but with everyone connected to the business.
No charades.
No hidden agendas.
No hidden emotions.
No lies.
Just real people who are genuinely invested in the vision.
YOU ARE HUMAN TOO
You may be running 100 miles an hour but don’t forget that you are human.
It is critical that you physically and mentally look after yourself.
The last thing your team needs is for you to lose your motivation and focus.
No one sets out to be the leader of a revolution.
But if you end up in that position, you need to bring your A-game.
The team needs you, and you need them.
