Month: November 2024

Effective leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach. CEOs who succeed in today’s dynamic business environment do so by leveraging a leadership style that aligns with their values, personality, and business objectives. But how can CEOs identify their leadership style? This article will provide practical steps to help CEOs understand and refine their unique approach to leadership.

1. 1. Understand the Types of Leadership Styles

Before you can identify your style, you need to know what’s out there. There are various leadership styles, each with unique advantages and challenges. Common styles include:

• • • Democratic Leadership: Involves group decision-making, where the leader guides but gives equal voice to all team members.
    • Autocratic Leadership: The leader retains full control and makes decisions independently.
    • Transformational Leadership: Focuses on driving change and pushing employees to exceed their limits.
    • Transactional Leadership: Focuses on clear structure and rewards based on performance.

By studying these styles, you can determine which traits resonate with your natural tendencies and which may be less effective for your leadership goals.

1. 2. Assess Your Personality and Strengths

To find the right leadership style, it’s essential to take stock of your personality and how it influences your decision-making. Utilizing assessment tools like DISC, Myers-Briggs, or TTI Success Insights’ behavioral assessments can be insightful. These tools measure key traits like emotional intelligence, communication preferences, and leadership tendencies. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can see which leadership styles are most compatible with your personality. For instance, a CEO with a high degree of empathy may thrive in a transformational or coaching leadership role, while someone more structured might gravitate toward transactional leadership.

1. 3. Seek Feedback from Your Team

Getting feedback from colleagues and team members is crucial to understanding how your leadership style is perceived. This can help you bridge any gaps between how you think you’re leading and how you are leading. Create opportunities for open dialogue and consider anonymous feedback systems to get honest insights into your leadership effectiveness. This practice aligns with the idea that leadership credibility is built over time by engaging with your team, listening, and treating them as valued assets.

1. 4. Experiment with Different Styles

Leadership is fluid. As the business environment changes, so should your approach. It’s not uncommon for CEOs to adopt multiple styles over time. For example, during a crisis, an autocratic style may be necessary to make quick decisions, but during times of growth, a transformational or democratic style could be more effective. Don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust your style based on the context. Leadership development is an ongoing process, and flexibility is key.

1. 5. Measure the Impact

Once you’ve identified and started to implement your leadership style, measure its impact. You can use metrics such as employee engagement, productivity levels, or business outcomes to gauge how your approach is working. If needed, adjust your style to achieve the desired results.

Ultimately, successful leaders are not defined by rigid adherence to a specific style but by their ability to adapt, communicate, and motivate their teams.

Conclusion

Finding your leadership style as a CEO involves understanding the different approaches, assessing your personality, seeking feedback, experimenting, and continually measuring impact. By developing a style that reflects both your values and the needs of your team, you can guide your organization more effectively and foster long-term success.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Times are a bit turbulent right now. And nobody knows how current global and domestic factors will affect the industry or the economy. As scary and uncomfortable as uncertainty is, the good news is that, as a business owner, your ability to adapt, lead, and plan for fluctuations was both challenged and honed during the pandemic years. So, you are far better informed on the best ways to avoid the full brunt of just about any bump that may come your way.

And it all starts with strong leadership skills.

Read “Economic Uncertainty: Your Crucial Role As Business Leader When Times Are Tough” at The Alternative Board (TAB).

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/your-crucial-role-as-business-leader-during-economic-uncertainty

#tabboards #businesscoaching #adaptability

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Strategic Insights to Overcome Workforce Challenges

Business leaders face a variety of challenges that can disrupt growth and profitability, from poor hiring decisions and disengaged employees to high turnover rates. A powerful tool to address these issues is employee assessments, which offer data-driven insights into a candidate’s or employee’s behavioral style, motivations, emotional intelligence, and skills. These assessments equip leaders with the information needed to make strategic decisions, improving workforce alignment and overall business performance.

How Assessments Solve Business Challenges

1. 1. 1. Improving Hiring Accuracy: Many businesses struggle with high turnover rates or poor job performance due to mismatched hires. Employee assessments, such as behavioral or cognitive assessments, help identify individuals whose strengths and personality traits align with the role. This reduces costly hiring errors and boosts retention.
      2. Enhancing Employee Engagement: Assessments can diagnose engagement issues by evaluating factors like employee motivations, work environment preferences, and communication styles. Leaders can use this information to foster better team dynamics, improve job satisfaction, and optimize collaboration across the organization.
      3. Increasing Retention through Personalized Development: One of the most impactful uses of assessments is in tailoring professional development. By understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and growth potential of employees, companies can design individualized development programs that foster career progression and boost loyalty, ultimately reducing attrition.
      4. Strengthening Leadership and Team Performance: Leadership assessments, in particular, help identify traits and areas of improvement in managers. Organizations can use this data to promote high-potential leaders and offer targeted training that sharpens decision-making, emotional intelligence, and team management skills.

By integrating assessments into talent strategy, businesses can create a more engaged, efficient, and high-performing workforce, resulting in a sustained competitive advantage

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Uncertainty is an inevitable but uncomfortable fact of business ownership, particularly when the economy appears to be in flux.

An important asset for organizations during unpredictable times is a defined and healthy company culture.

Company culture is a business’s collective set of beliefs, attitudes, and practices embodied in the workplace. A positive culture fosters better employee satisfaction, higher employee retention, and more innovation and resiliency (and that is just the tip of the iceberg).

Want smart tips on fortifying your business for whatever comes our way? Read “Build a Strong Company Culture to Overcome Economic Uncertainty” at The Alternative Board (TAB).

In what ways do you actively work to bolster your company culture?

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/build-a-strong-company-culture-to-overcome-economic-uncertainty

#tabboards #businesscoaching #companyculture

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Value-based selling is the strategy that will likely set industry standards for years. Gone are the days of hawking our services or pushing our products on lukewarm customers. While a slam-dunk transactional approach defined the sales industry for decades, customers today are far more sophisticated in selecting the goods they purchase and the companies with whom they align themselves. Buyers want to be educated to make smart choices that address their unique needs. They often perform a lot of that legwork themselves, thanks to Google Customer Reviews, Amazon ratings, social media, and well-honed websites. The high-pressure salesmanship of yesteryear has been replaced with value-based selling that focuses on a consultative, benefits-based approach to providing solutions and ultimately closing the deal.

While most business owners understand and appreciate the distinction between traditional, hard-sell tactics and value-based selling, when push comes to shove, they or their reps sometimes revert to more aggressive sales approaches. This is usually due to several common reasons:

• • • An intense pressure to hit quotas and meet sales goals.
    • An immediate need or desire for increased cash flow in the business.
    • An inadequately trained sales team.

These all point to an ill-defined company culture that either subtly or overtly values sales over relationships. But defaulting to high-pressure sales tactics even in high-stakes circumstances can cause more long-term harm than good. The risk of losing a valued relationship or your reputation as a trusted partner just to land a single deal is just bad business.

So what are the keys to successful value-based selling?

Understand Your Customers’ Needs

Taking a customer-centric approach to sales starts with a comprehensive appreciation of the prospect’s pain points and unique needs. Ask questions and do your research into your customers’ challenges. Remember, value-based selling is never a one-size-fits-all approach.

Develop a Value Proposition

As a business owner, it is essential to create a strong value proposition for your goods or services that communicates important functions and differentiators. This is where ROI comes in handy. Don’t just imply a specific return or outcome, but rather provide strategies for increasing the long-term value that your deliverable will afford them.

Build Trust & Foster Relationships

Consultative selling is where you and your sales team act less like traditional sales reps and more like trusted advisors. Once again, this approach is founded upon asking the right questions, possessing an active ear, and embracing long-term relationships over short-term sales objectives.

Anticipate Objections

Even the best value-based sellers are sometimes hit with potential deal-breaking concerns. This is usually the point when traditional sales tactics get messy or even aggressive. By taking the time to proactively consider and appropriately address potential customer objections on price, quality, need or other factors, you remove the volatility of a high-pressure sales dynamic while professionally addressing what are likely legitimate concerns.

Train Your Sales Team

Properly training your salespeople starts with smart hiring. Make sure you assess candidates not just for their past sales quotas, but also for their attitudes and approaches related to customer experience. Train your team on value-based sales techniques and make sure they are or become experts in your industry, products, and services. A well-informed, polished sales staff is far less likely to revert to high-pressure sales tactics.

Click here to view our TAB webinar “The Brainset of a Peak Performer” free and on-demand.

As you continue to incorporate value-based selling into your organization, you will likely be amazed at how your ideal customer profile changes and the strength of your relationships evolve into something far greater than traditional, high-pressure sales tactics ever afforded you.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Creating a Happy and Healthy Remote Workforce through Trust, Communication, and Engagement

The rise of remote work has transformed the way teams operate, providing flexibility and increased productivity. However, building a remote team that thrives emotionally and professionally requires thoughtful strategies. Here’s how to ensure your remote team stays happy, healthy, and productive.

1. 1. Prioritize Clear and Frequent Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful remote team. Regular check-ins, transparent communication tools, and consistent updates help everyone stay aligned. Utilizing platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams can foster both formal and informal communication, allowing for work discussions as well as casual “water cooler” chats that strengthen team bonds.

Virtual meetings, while essential, should be well-structured with clear goals to avoid overwhelming team members. Asynchronous communication can also help accommodate different time zones and work schedules.

1. 2. Foster Trust and Avoid Micromanagement

Remote teams thrive when managers trust their employees to manage their tasks and schedules. Micromanagement can erode trust and stifle creativity. Instead, empower employees by setting clear goals and KPIs, giving them ownership of their work. This approach leads to higher motivation and better results.

Monthly or bi-weekly check-ins can help keep projects on track without feeling intrusive. Managers should focus on outcomes, not the process, allowing employees the flexibility to work in the way that best suits them.

1. 3. Build a Strong Team Culture

Team culture is just as important in a remote setting as in the office. Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging is crucial for remote workers, who may feel isolated. Regular virtual team-building activities—such as online games, coffee breaks, or even virtual book clubs—can help build personal connections.

Encouraging personal interactions outside of work topics can make remote teams feel more cohesive. Celebrating both team and individual achievements publicly also fosters a sense of community and mutual respect.

1. 4. Prioritize Health and Well-being

Remote work offers flexibility, but it can blur the boundaries between personal and professional life, leading to burnout. Encourage employees to set boundaries and take breaks to maintain their well-being. Offering mental health resources or providing subscriptions to wellness platforms can further support your team’s physical and mental health.

Flexibility in work hours, allowing employees to manage their personal lives, and offering days off for mental health or “creative days” are powerful ways to support their well-being.

1. 5. Leverage the Right Tools for Collaboration and Productivity

Technology can make or break a remote team. Invest in the right tools to keep communication seamless and tasks organized. Platforms like Notion, GitHub, or Trello are great for project management, ensuring everyone knows their roles and deadlines. These tools also promote transparency and allow teams to track progress in real time.

At the same time, encourage direct communication when needed, using video or voice calls to clarify misunderstandings and build rapport.

Conclusion

A thriving remote team doesn’t happen by chance—it requires a thoughtful blend of communication, trust, and tools. By fostering a culture of engagement, supporting well-being, and promoting open communication, you can build a happy, healthy, and productive remote workforce.

For more insights, you can explore Entrepreneur, TTI Success Insights, CleverControl, Welcome to The Remote Company, or THE ORG

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

The transfer of your business may be the biggest financial transaction of your life. At Clear Focus, LLC, we utilize ExitMap® to help clients understand their current level of preparedness so that they can begin the succession planning process.

• • It consists of 22 questions, produces a 12-page report, and only takes 15 minutes.
  • It’s easy to decide which of the multiple-choice responses best fits your company.
  • It requires no financial or other confidential information.
  • It takes a broader view of your business than just the numbers.

To begin, click the link: Assessment, simply enter your email address. You will receive your Exit Readiness report in approximately one business day. The report ranks your overall preparedness and provides a breakdown of your readiness by category: Finance, Planning, Profit/Revenue, and Operations.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.