Think of a leader as a coach - he or she must have the ethics, the grit, the enthusiasm, and the knowledge to prod your team to victory. To groom a fantastic leader for your business, you must be committed to training continually. Supervisors are your right hand in helping you grow your business. The moment your business grows beyond what you can manage effectively by yourself, you will need other people to help.
Creating effective supervisors or managers includes three key steps:
- Hire those with true leadership qualities.
- Mentor and teach by example.
- Cultivate leaders from your existing staff.
Screen new hires for leadership skills
Before you hire a supervisor for your small business, look at his experience in managing others, or in leading teams to success. Ask focused interview questions to shed light on his sense of responsibility, respect for his supervisees, and personal integrity.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers great insight into the qualities of a true leader. Sign up for a free e-course about hiring at About: Recruit and Hire the Best.
Be a role model and mentor yourself
A business mentor is a more experienced professional who gives significant career guidance to a less-experienced professional (the protégé). By mentoring your supervisors, you offer them invaluable, ongoing coaching, and in turn, teach them to follow your example, which can make your job easier.
SBA's resource,
"Mentoring: What Goes Around, Comes Around," offers individual assessments for a potential mentor or protégé to determine his ability to succeed in a mentoring relationship.
Walk the Walk
Leaders who make their employees to follow the rules, but don't do it themselves set a bad example and get little respect. Leaders who "walk the walk" are the ones their staff will want to follow.
Grow Your Leaders
Many business executives believe it best to grow their leaders rather than hire them from outside of your business. What better way to assess the person's abilities and potentials than to observe them at work as a supervisee? Do they show uncompromising standards and responsibility in completing their work? If so, your next supervisor is probably right in front of your eyes.
