Empowered Leadership

As an insurance broker, one of my main roles is to meet with business owners to discuss their insurance needs which invariably leads to a conversation about the culture within their workplace. What I’ve discovered is many business owners do not feel they have the right to be the leader and ultimate decision maker within their own enterprise. This may be surprising to hear, however, I believe it comes down mostly to a fear of not being liked by employees/sub-contractors and a lack of personal power. The way this plays out within a business can mean that the one leading is a worker, whilst the owner feels disrespected yet unable to command their right to be the ultimate authority on the direction of the business. Disruption in the flow of the business inevitably occurs and will manifest as disgruntled clients, workers and lack of revenue.

 

Here are my tips to re-assert yourself as the Empowered Leader within your business:

1. Know that YOU ARE ENOUGH – not commanding respect within your own business is due to lack of self-esteem. Why should you take all the financial risks, be the main target for client feedback, endure the waves of emotional and mental confrontation, that only the boss experiences, and yet not get the benefit of being the rightful leader? Take a course in personal transformation and empowerment or practice affirmations or daily rituals that build your sense of self. “I am Enough” mentally repeated over and over every day can really do wonders for your personal integrity.
2. Face the fear of not being liked – your role as a business owner is not to be the friend of your workers. It is to be their LEADER. In this role, respect is more important than being liked. Of course it is possible to have both, however, you must be willing at the appropriate times to have the ‘tough’ conversations with your crew in order to protect the integrity of your business. As such, you will service your clients in the highest way due to the clear and concise messages that come from your team who are working as a whole.
3. Be willing to let staff members go – sometimes a worker has outgrown their position within your business and you need to make the wise decision to allow them to move on. Some workers grow to the point where they need to start their own business and these are the individuals who will challenge your role as leader. You must be King or Queen of your castle! There’s no failure in removing workers who would be better suited somewhere else or given the opportunity to become their own boss. You can say things like, “I feel our working relationsip has come to an end – that’s ok – I encourage you to do your own thing. You have my blessing and I will always be grateful for what you have done in my business.”

Your role as a leader is multi-faceted – from Pacifier & Peacemaker all the way through to Authoritarian & Head Decision-Maker. You must be able to adapt to all roles within your business quickly and see all workers, clients and yourself with clarity.   You must be the one who takes risks, yet creates a feeling of security amongst your team. The list goes on with the various roles a business owner has. This role is not for everyone but if you are reading this and either a current business owner or considering being one, know that you are more than capable to take on this role and shine brightly! There can be endless rewards as a business owner in terms of both personal and financial freedom if you do it well. Dig deep, muster your inner strength, courage, self-worth, integrity and LEAD THE WAY!

 

Namaste

Chris  ([email protected])