With inflation and unemployment rising, and the value of Sterling
falling, Gordon Brown’s leadership continues to be under
pressure. But what about business leaders who are struggling in the
economic climate?
Keeping a cool head in a leadership crisis – whether you’re
running the country or a business that needs to grow – is vital.
Now sales development and training specialist Pareto Law offers its top
tips to help ease the pressure of leadership.
- Look the part – It may sound simple, but getting
the dress code right – whether that’s relaxed like Sir
Richard Branson, or more formal like Sir Alan Sugar – is key if
you want to create the right impression and generate trust with
employees, customers, suppliers and partners.
- Know your stuff
– Knowledge is a powerful thing, so if you’re going to lead
you need to make sure you know what you’re talking about. This
means putting in the hours, getting to know the business, people,
products, everything that’s involved in the business’
success. The whole point of being a leader is that people can turn to
you for advice, and trust you to provide the right input. You
can’t ‘wing it’ any more – you need to know
your facts to gain their respect.
- The right team –
One of the most important elements in successful leadership,
particularly in a challenging economic climate, is the ability to
surround yourself with a strong team. Look at where you want your
business to be in the future, and then ensure you have the team and
skills in place to get you there. A leader has to be able to delegate,
but if you don’t trust your team it will hold you back, so make
sure you put in place a structure and people that can support you 100%.
- Confidence Booster
– Everyone has days when they’re not feeling on top form,
but a leader has to be confident every step of the way. Keep a cool
head and don’t panic when things get tough. Listen to advice, do
your research and act decisively and confidently.
- Decisions Decisions
– Just as the indecisiveness of the Government over stamp duty
impacted on the housing market, if you avoid tackling a subject and
skirt around it you lose credibility and cause confusion. As a leader
you need to make clear decisions and communicate these effectively.
- Be consistent with your team
– If you delegate responsibilities make sure you commit to this,
and don’t wade in to take control away from others. If they come
to you for advice offer it, but ensure you give your backing to the
team and support them in their actions, rather than taking over.
- Get an External View
– Finally, if you are the boss, who will challenge your
decisions? As a result it is wise to have a trusted friend or mentor
from outside the business who won’t simply accept what you say as
gospel, but will question your actions for the good of the business.
Jonathan Fitchew, joint managing director at Pareto Law, says: "The
saying ‘born leader’ is often true – some people
naturally have the presence and authority to lead, be that a youth club
or the country. However, leadership skills can be learnt and developed
over time – if the leader is willing to recognise their
weaknesses."
"In the current climate it is important for leaders in all sectors to
assess their skills and look at how they can improve. Training can have
a huge impact, and with businesses suffering in the credit crunch
it’s important that key people have the support to tackle the
issues facing them."
About Pareto Law:
Pareto Law is the UK’s leading graduate
assessment, placement and training organisation, with offices in
Cheshire, London, Leeds/East Midlands, Birmingham, Bristol, Nutley (SE)
and Glasgow. The company believes that often 80% of sales come from the
top 20% of the sales team. Pareto Law aims to provide this top 20%
through a mix of rigorous assessment and professional training. For more information visit >>>> 
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