If you were to ask any of Dave’s team members what they like best about their jobs, you might be surprised at their answers. Salary and vacation time are way down on the list, often not mentioned at all. Instead, they talk about the company’s culture and the family-like atmosphere.
That’s no accident. Dave has intentionally created a workplace where team members thrive, and winning is as common as church picnics in the summer. Each and every one of his team members are rock stars who are given the opportunity to soar.
As a small business owner, you probably feel that creating this type of culture is impossible—but it’s not. As Dave teaches in EntreLeadership Master Series, no matter the size of your operation, you can develop your own group of Steven Tylers. Okay, that’s probably taking it a bit too far, but you can create a team who is willing to share your dream and take your business to the next level. Here are a few ways to empower your team.
1. Share Your Vision
The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The same holds true for your business. Let your team know where you want your organization to go, and share that vision often. They’ll become excited about hitting goals and reaching for the stars alongside you. As with anything in life, there will be changes to your vision, so keep your team constantly updated as you adjust where you want to go.
2. Stop Micromanaging
What’s the quickest way to stifle creativity, lower morale and generally make your team members miserable? Hover over everything they do. “A micromanager is the person who does not have enough self-confidence to release tasks or concepts when integrity and competency have been proven repeatedly,” Dave says.
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There is only one good time to micromanage—when someone first joins your team. After they have been trained—and they have proven their integrity and competency—it’s time to let them fly.
3. Enhance Their Skills
As a business owner, one of the greatest investments you can make is in your team, especially when it comes to personal development. If possible, pay for additional training or education. Dave reimburses a certain amount each year for the cost of a class a team member passes. He values education and the positive impact it has on his team, even if it allows them to move on to another job.
If you are not to that point financially, you can still help your team improve themselves. Try:
- Offering “lunch and learn” classes, and invite guest speakers to talk with your team over a brown-bag lunch.
- Developing a mentorship program, where team members can work with leaders to improve their skills.
4. Brag on Them
Every individual around you, from your closest leaders to the person answering the phone, yearns to be appreciated. So brag on them every chance you get. It can launch even the most educated, sophisticated, high-level person into the stratosphere and send confidence levels through the roof.
One of the first steps in becoming a true EntreLeader is to recognize that your team is your most valuable resource. With them, the sky’s the limit.
An essential characteristic of any great leader is a willingness to learn. And one of the easiest ways to gain knowledge is with our EntreLeadership Podcast. Each week, we share tools, tips and great conversation with some of the top business and leadership experts in the country, as well as interviews with fellow EntreLeaders. Listen now.
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Ramsey Solutions