Popular motivational speaker and business commentator, Simon Sinek (Did you know that he spent some of his childhood in South Africa?), offers valuable tips that can make a significant contribution to the running of a business. The Cape Jewish Chronicle shares some of his lessons about leadership in a business environment.
Show what you mean
Setting the tone in a business should apply at all levels, and it certainly needs to start at the top. As a leader, you need to demonstrate to your team what type of behaviour you expect from them through the way you behave. And always be consistent in the way you behave so that it’s clear what is expected.
Timing matters
When having to discuss something potentially uncomfortable with a staff member – such as their performance – think carefully about what you are going to say before you actually say it. Be careful not to say what’s on your mind immediately; rather be mindful of when would be an appropriate time to have that difficult conversation.
Become comfortable with the uncomfortable
People generally find it difficult to have uncomfortable conversations, and this is a big problem in the workplace. As a business head, you must be able to guide your staff to do the best they can and, if they’re not delivering on your business’s promise, it’s crucial for you to have that uncomfortable discussion with them. So, force yourself to confront the need for this sort of conversation, and then teach others to do the same.
Identify talent – and nurture it
Just like that one teacher you had at school who spurred you on to realise your potential, as the head of a business or as a manager, you can show true leadership when you do the same as that treasured teacher. So, use every occasion when you interact with a team member to help them grow in their career and as a person.
Never judge without investigating
People tend to jump to conclusions without first asking some questions. Be careful of this: always try to work out what the real situation is before you react.
Decide what the culture of your organisation should be – and live it
We’ve heard about funky workplaces, where staff get to play table tennis or pool whenever they want a break, or where expensive food is delivered to everyone’s desk every day, and where every member of staff gets a monthly free massage. Those sorts of things are lovely to have… but they are meaningless if the organisation’s culture is not one based on deep relationships, open communication, trust and support, meaningful and stimulating work, and allowing people to reach their potential.
Think as ‘we’, not ‘me’
If you start to view your business as a place for a team, rather than for individuals with their own unique skills, you’re bound to see more successes. When the environment is conducive to people feeling comfortable and secure to work with others and to share their ideas, everyone benefits – so too, the business overall. So, move from a self-serving culture to one of serving others.
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