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Far too little time and effort are spent in identifying and developing small business leaders. Leadership is a critically important subject in each of your rental businesses. Are you satisfied with those who have a "leadership position" in your company? If not, it might be the biggest reason your business is not reaching its fullest potential.
I made several visits this year to landmarks to gather additional insights into the subject of leadership. I traveled to West Point, Annapolis, Quantico and Washington, D.C. for inspiration. I have been to each of these areas in previous years, but this year my purpose was leadership-specific. No matter how much you think you know about this subject, it's amazing how much more there is to learn.
Combining the leadership lessons of history and the military can be very helpful in your business. For example, the real essence of leadership is "mission accomplishment" — making sure you accomplish what you need to. "Troop welfare" needs to also be a primary concern.
Winston Churchill, one of the greatest leaders of all time, didn't fight the Second World War by himself. He had the leadership traits including vision, stamina, will power, decisiveness ("no turning back"), confidence and the right amount of arrogance to know he was the right person for the job. Regardless of your views of the military or war, we should all be able to agree that certain great leaders have made a profound difference to our existence.
It's very important to pick the right people for leadership roles. Examine how you choose your leaders. Just because someone has considerable product knowledge or has been with you for many years does not mean that he or she is the best choice for a leadership role. Leadership training for those who do not have core leadership traits is a waste of valuable time and financial resources. So, focus your energy on making sure you're grooming the correct people as leaders. Also, remember that you might not have the best leaders working for you right now.
When searching for a great leader, look for good analytical, judgment and communication skills.
A great leader needs to have good judgment when it comes to "talent." From hiring to deciding who should advance within the organization, these decisions have a profound and lasting effect on the growth and profitability of any company.
Even though confidence is an important trait, leaders have to understand their own strengths and weaknesses.
Even though it is almost a cliché, leading by example is important. Look for those who share credit for successes with their teammates.
Great communication skills are essential. Good leaders motivate others to accomplish company missions, are exceptionally positive and upbeat and can build consensus when necessary. Like a football quarterback, a good leader knows that all plays are not necessarily his or hers. A good leader knows how to listen and follow through.
Your business is like a military campaign in that it requires strong, effective leaders. Look for those who can identify opportunities and have the energy and integrity to take the correct path — even if the path is strewn with obstacles.
Dick Detmer is a nationally recognized consultant, lecturer and writer and has 35 years of experience in the equipment rental industry. For consulting, on-site employee training or to order books, visit www.detmerconsulting.com. Dick can be contacted at dick@detmerconsulting.com or (309) 781-3451.
author: Dick Detmer