What's a Piece of Advice that Influenced Your Leadership Style?
Leadership is the cornerstone of any successful business, and gaining insights from those who have mastered it can be invaluable. In this article, small business owners and chief executive officers share their most impactful advice that has shaped their leadership styles. From the importance of leading by example to the necessity of prioritizing active listening, these experts offer a total of seventeen powerful insights. Discover how these essential pieces of advice can transform your approach to leadership.
- Lead by Example in Leadership
- Embrace Change for Progress
- Hands-On Leadership Builds Trust
- Adapt and Innovate for Success
- Embody Values for Team Unity
- Show Commitment Through Action
- Authentic Communication Cuts Through Noise
- Engage Directly with Target Audience
- Use Data-Driven Decision Making
- Invest First to Earn Later
- Lead by Example for Team Trust
- Prioritize Active Listening
- Build Trust Through Transparency
- Empower and Support Employees
- Treat Others with Respect
- Foster an Employee-Centric Culture
- Learn and Unlearn Continuously
Lead by Example in Leadership
One advice that significantly shaped my leadership style came from a mentor early in my career, "Lead by example, and your team will naturally follow." It stuck with me because it aligns with how I approach gardening. Attention to detail, consistency, and care are crucial in both leadership and horticulture. When I started Ozzie Mowing & Gardening, I knew that asking my team to go the extra mile for our clients meant I had to set the standard. Whether it's showing up early to a job site, making sure tools are impeccably maintained, or taking the time to explain a task to a junior team member, I lead with actions, not just instructions.
An example of this was during a large-scale landscaping project where we were working on a heritage garden restoration. The task required precision pruning, soil rejuvenation, and delicate handling of century-old plants. Rather than delegating the most intricate tasks, I rolled up my sleeves and worked alongside my team, demonstrating techniques I had mastered over my 15 years of experience. My certification in horticulture and deep knowledge of plant biology helped me troubleshoot problems on the spot, like diagnosing soil deficiencies that were stressing a historic oak tree. Seeing me actively engaged encouraged the team to rise to the challenge, and we not only completed the project ahead of schedule but received glowing praise from the property owners. That moment solidified my belief that leadership is about showing, not just telling, and that your expertise becomes a powerful tool when shared with those you work with.
Embrace Change for Progress
A transformative piece of advice I received was from Grandmaster Park, emphasizing the need to accept change for progress. Running my martial arts school taught me that sticking to the same methods without adapting leads to stagnation. By updating our curriculum and emvracing new marketing strategies, I saw an increase in enrollment by 30% over a year. This encouraged me to develop Spark Membership, providing tools to help other school owners adapt efficiently.
I also learned the value of asking for help, humbling my leadership style immensely. When I faced challenges in expanding my school, seeking guidance from industry experts led to insights that saved me countless hours and launched new programs with 15% more profitability. Understanding the importance of seeking aid inspired me to design Spark Membership with features allowing owners to easily connect with mentors and expert resources.
Finally, the mantra "Something equals something, nothing equals nothing," pushes me to take daily actions towards my goals. During marketing campaigns, small, consistent efforts like community classes resulted in 20% more local engagement. In Spark Membership, I embedded features to encourage small daily tasks, helping owners track progress and build success incrementally.
Hands-On Leadership Builds Trust
As the founder, one piece of advice I received early in the journey of my legal process outsourcing company that profoundly influenced my leadership style came from a mentor who told me, "Lead by example, not by command."
When I first started scaling the business, I found myself focused on delegating tasks and managing workflows, often stepping back from the frontlines. However, I quickly realized that my team was looking to me for guidance, not just instructions.
I remember a moment during a particularly challenging project when our team was overwhelmed with deadlines. Instead of staying in the background, I rolled up my sleeves, worked alongside my team, and helped with the document reviews, even though it wasn't part of my usual responsibilities.
This act of leading by example built trust and motivated the team, showing them that I was fully invested in the success of the company. Since then, I've made it a habit to actively engage with all levels of the team, whether it's tackling a tough project together or providing support during high-pressure moments.
This approach has helped foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, and it's something that continues to guide my leadership today.
Adapt and Innovate for Success
The single piece of advice that truly shaped my leadership style was to focus on adaptability and innovation, particularly during the initial stages of my entrepreneurship journey. When I founded my education company in 2019, understanding the diverse needs of international students required me to constantly adapt my strategies. This led to the development of personalized learning programs that significantly increased student engagement and satisfaction.
For instance, by leveraging my Mandarin skills and incorporating cultural insights into our curriculum, we saw a 40% increase in student retention and a broader reach in international markets. This success was based on being open to new ideas and quickly pivoting when traditional methods didn't resonate.
Others can benefit from this by exploring ways to tailor their services to the unique needs of their clientele and remaining flexible enough to implement changes quickly. Accept innovative solutions and don't be afraid to evolve based on real-time feedback and market demands.
Embody Values for Team Unity
One piece of advice that has profoundly shaped my leadership style came from a mentor early in my career: "Lead by example, and your team will follow." This advice has guided me throughout my journey, especially as I transitioned from being a physiotherapist to running my own multidisciplinary clinic. As the Director of The Alignment Studio, I've always made it a priority to embody the values I expect from my team, such as accountability, continuous learning, and a patient-first mindset. For example, when we introduced workplace wellness programs, I made it a point to personally attend the workshops and training sessions alongside my staff. This not only ensured I fully understood the services we were offering but also demonstrated my commitment to the initiative. By being actively involved, I created a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, which has significantly improved team morale and service delivery.
My 30 years of experience in both clinical and leadership roles have reinforced the importance of this approach. During my time as a director at The University of NSW and The Mater Hospital, I saw firsthand how a leader's behavior sets the tone for the entire team. At The Alignment Studio, this philosophy has helped me build a cohesive team of 10 skilled professionals who are as passionate about patient care as I am. For example, when we faced challenges during the pandemic, such as adapting to telehealth, I made it a priority to personally test the technology and collaborate with staff on optimizing the patient experience. This hands-on leadership ensured a smooth transition and maintained the trust of both staff and clients. By leading with empathy and action, I've been able to foster an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to perform at their best.
Show Commitment Through Action
One impactful piece of advice I received was to lead by example especially when managing a small team. Early in my career, I learned that employees are far more motivated by what you do than what you say. This advice shaped my leadership style into one that's hands on and deeply involved. For instance, during a particularly challenging storm season, we were faced with a massive influx of emergency tree removals. Instead of delegating tasks from the office, I grabbed my gear and worked alongside my team in the field. My experience as a certified arborist and decades in the tree service industry meant I could lead operations effectively while ensuring safety and efficiency. That time not only built trust with my employees but also showed them that I was willing to share the hard work, which boosted morale and strengthened our team bond.
Having grown up in the tree service business, I've seen firsthand how important it is for leaders to have credibility. Employees respect a leader who understands their day to day struggles because they've been in those boots themselves. This approach doesn't just create a more cohesive team; it also fosters pride in the work we do. That storm season was a reminder that leadership is about showing up and being willing to do the hard work with your team, not just for them. It's a principle I continue to live by, and it has helped Ponce Tree Services maintain high employee retention and consistently excellent customer service.
Authentic Communication Cuts Through Noise
Around 2014, when I started Redfox Visual, the biggest lesson I learned in leadership was the value of authenticity in communication. I realized that clarity and genuine messaging can cut through the overwhelming noise that many marketing strategies generate. This became the foundational philosophy at my agency, which we refer to as "marketing sucks," meaning we focus on what truly matters to clients without the BS.
One case that stands out involved shifting our focus back to clear, direct messaging which transformed how we interacted with clients like the Idaho Lottery and Pet IQ. We stopped using jargon and complex strategies, opting instead for simplicity and clarity, which led to better engagement and results. Seeing increased client satisfaction and results reaffirmed this approach.
For small business owners, sticking to authentic communication can be powerful. Avoid the temptation to resort to flashy but void tactics. Building true connections with customers through honesty will help your brand not just survive but thrive amid abundant noise.
Engage Directly with Target Audience
One piece of advice that transformed my leadership style was to deeply understand our target audience's needs by engaging them directly. When I transitioned my high school project into Rocket Alumni Solutions, I initially applied this by hosting free workshops where school administrators discussed their biggest alumni engagement challenges. This approach significantly increased our lead conversion rates by 30% and established long-term relationships with over 150 schools.
In investment banking, I felt like just another cog, but founding a company allowed me to test unconventional marketing strategies. For instance, using Tomba.io for lead generation enabled targeted outreach that improved email response rates by 20%. Similarly, by crafting multiple website landing pages, I achieved first-page search rankings, which brought in essential inbound leads.
Another innovative shift was focusing on our internal team's development. Initially, I hired college friends as part-time contractors, building a strong team culture motivated by creativity and drive. Many of these team members are now full-time employees, sustaining growth to reach $2M in annual recurring revenue without outside investment.
Use Data-Driven Decision Making
One piece of advice that has significantly influenced my leadership style is the emphasis on data-driven decision-making. In my experience as a business consultant and as the operator of Strange Insurance Agency, strategic use of technology and data has helped me drastically improve both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Implementing financial technology tools in my operations has enabled me to optimize cash flow and minimize risks, resulting in a 25% increase in profitability for my clients.
I leverage this approach at The Holistics Company by conducting thorough risk assessments and cash flow analyses for small to mid-sized businesses. These insights provide actionable feedback for making informed decisions, eliminating revenue growth obstacles, and refining processes. This data-centric mindset allows business owners to visualize the tangible benefits of their investments and fosters confidence, ultimately driving positive change in their organizations.
In the insurance sector, understanding the nuances of comprehensive plans like Business Owners Policies (BOPs) and bailee's insurance, I advise clients on customized coverages. This custom guidance, based on industry trends and statistical risk exposure, ensures optimal protection and has consistently led to improved client trust and retention. Focusing on the specifics of what each client needs not only aligns business strategy with goals but also deeply personalizes service, building lasting relationships.
Invest First to Earn Later
The best advice I've ever received as a business owner was - "Invest first in your business to earn later."
This means putting real resources into your business before expecting big returns. Here, by real resources, I do not only mean money, but it is about investing your time, energy, focus and hard work! Do not approach shortcuts, and be willing to put in the work now, knowing it'll create something valuable later.
Following the same advice, my leadership has changed from transactional to transformational. I stopped measuring success by short-term parameters and started tracking growth and capabilities.
I learned that when you genuinely invest in people's skills, potential, and aspirations they invest their heart, soul and creativity back into the organization with an unmatchable commitment and honesty.
Lead by Example for Team Trust
One piece of advice that significantly influenced my leadership style as a small business owner is to lead by example. Early on, I was focused on delegating tasks to my team, but I learned that showing them how to do something by doing it myself first built more trust and respect. Whether it's handling customer service issues or jumping in to help with detailing jobs during busy periods, I show my team that I am committed and involved. This has led to a stronger, more motivated team who take pride in their work and feel supported.
Leading by example also allows me to maintain a deeper understanding of what's happening within the business on the ground level. It helps me stay in touch with customer concerns and industry trends. This approach not only improves team morale but also boosts productivity, as employees see that I'm not just telling them what to do but also actively contributing to the success of the business. It creates a shared sense of responsibility and ownership.
Prioritize Active Listening
One significant piece of advice I received that greatly influenced my leadership style was to prioritize active listening. This advice emphasized the importance of truly hearing my team members' ideas, concerns, and feedback rather than just waiting for my turn to speak. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, I noticed a marked improvement in team morale and collaboration.
Implementing active listening transformed our communication dynamics. It encouraged open dialogue, allowing team members to share their insights freely, which often led to innovative solutions and a stronger sense of ownership over our projects. This shift not only enhanced our team's productivity but also cultivated a culture of trust and respect. Ultimately, prioritizing active listening has become a cornerstone of my leadership approach, helping to create a more engaged and motivated team.
Build Trust Through Transparency
One piece of advice that profoundly influenced my leadership style is to prioritize authentic relationships and transparency. Growing up in a family business like MPS, my father taught me that trust is the foundation of our success. Our risk-free, no-hidden-fee agreements exemplify this, ensuring clients always feel valued and informed.
I applied this approach during our collaboration with the Payanywhere app for our Tap to Pay solution. We emphasize clear, secure transactions without the need for additional equipment. This transparent communication with clients strengthens their trust in us and fosters long-term loyalty.
My advice to others is to create straightforward, honest interactions with your customers. By maintaining these values, you not only improve your business's reputation but also cultivate a loyal community around it. This fosters a support network that's crucial for sustained success.
Empower and Support Employees
I manage my employees with a motive in mind "Empower and Support Employees" Keeping that in mind helps me empower them not micromanage them.
I feel micromanaging can be degrading for your business as it demotivates employees and reduces their interest in the operations of the organisation. In my opinion, successful leaders allow employees to take ownership of their tasks and initiatives. Once these tasks are completed praising them in public gives them further confidence and increases their sense of belongingness.
Micromanaging can also increase absenteeism and employee turnover in the small business. As it gives employees a feeling of being stressed and undervalued at the workplace, it can significantly reduce their creativity, productivity and interest in their work. It becomes crucial for the small business leadership to provide a healthy working environment and support employees in their work. I think a leader should be supportive and guiding towards employees.
Treat Others with Respect
The one piece of advice I always remember when defining my leadership style is: "Treat others as you wish to be treated."
Over the years, I've found that while I apply this advice to my employees, it's also relevant when interacting with my customers and suppliers. While we can spend 8 hours a day with someone in an office or on the factory floor, you never really know what else is happening in someone's life, and it's being mindful that everyone has a life away from work. I know that when I'm having a stressful day a kind word or just an acknowledgment from someone else can change how I'm feeling and ultimately the course of my day.
Foster an Employee-Centric Culture
During my career, especially in challenging roles like advertising sales and selling cemetery plots, the most significant leadership advice I received was about the impirtance of fostering an employee-centric culture. This perspective shaped my leadership style, resulting in more innovative and motivated teams.
A key example is Give River's 5G Method, which integrates recognition, wellness, and growth tools to improve workplace fulfillment and productivity. Data highlights that engagement-focused companies report 21% higher productivity, demonstrating how a supportive work culture helps teams achieve peak performance.
Incorporating wellness isn't just beneficial for employees; it's a smart business strategy. Companies prioritizing employee wellness see a 34% increase in profit compared to peers. By committing to a culture that supports employee well-being, other small business owners can create an environment where both employees and the business thrive.
Learn and Unlearn Continuously
One of the biggest things that I have learned is to learn and unlearn. As a leader, I realized that nobody can work in silos and great companies are only built by collaborative efforts. In the process, you have to constantly unlearn and let go to learn and acquire new responsibilities.
