It Does Not Have to be Lonely at the Top (in fact it shouldn't be!)

Today's post is written by Bob Dodge, Sr. Partner at The Alternative Board - Denver West.

As a business owner, you have no doubt experienced how lonely it can be at the Top. It doesn’t have to be lonely, though. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto to talk with. You don’t have to go it alone; in fact, there are several reasons you should involve (listen to) others.

Talk with your employees to find out:

1. if they understand why you expect them to complete critical tasks. If they are not motivated, no amount of training will help! The must have the desire to do so.
   
   
2. if they have the capabilities (time, tools, skills and resources) to accomplish what is needed for the organization. Telling your team to “just do it” if they lack these capabilities will only frustrate them, and eventually you. You and your entire team will benefit from discussing your vision and priorities; providing opportunities for employees to learn. Demonstrate to your employees through your actions that you are committed to these critical success factors.
   
   
3. if they know the consequences of their actions or lack thereof. If employees don’t understand what is in it “for them”, they’ll never perform. Be prepared to provide those (positive as well as negative) consequences to avoid problems down the road. In short, walk the talk.
   
   As a result, you might hear some great ideas to improve the business! After all, they are the ones actually doing the work!
   
   

Talk with your customer to jointly consider how they experience your product or service:

1. Maybe there are additional services you might provide that customers would value (and pay for). These are opportunities to capture additional revenue.
   
   
2. You might discover that your company is currently spending time, money or other resources on activities and features that your customers don’t value.
   
   At least they’ll appreciate the gesture to at least look at the business relationship from their perspective.
   

Talk with your peers:

You might be surprised that other leaders face similar challenges as you. Regular conversations with these executives provide a safe way to explore ideas and learn from one another.


Talk with your coach:

Consider getting a coach to help you explore and accomplish taking your business to a new level. A good coach will help you listen to yourself!

These examples of communicating are all actually acts of listening. Most business leaders can and do inform, motivate, sell, and convince. Effective leaders have also mastered listening! How could listening to your employees, customers, peers or coach affect your business? Would you feel like less of a Lone Ranger?

Strength in Numbers

Wow, it has been a while since we have posted. Please accept my apologies. The key word though is "we"! For about a year now, I have been working on a plan that allows me to scale the business with people who are just as passionate and committed to helping the small business community as I am. I wanted another owner in the business. Someone with passion, skills, and skin in the game. Commitment and accountability. This effort has has taken place to help me achieve my Personal and Company Vision.

I am so excited to welcome and introduce you to Bob Dodge, Senior Partner in The Alternative Board - Denver West. Bob is experience with the opportunities and concerns that challenge top business owners and leaders. His professional career spans more than 25 yeas as an executive, consultant, facilitator, coach and trusted business advisor to leaders in a variety of industries.

In late September and early October we will be running a series of educational events where you can come meet Bob (and see me) and hear what he has to say. You'll definitely walk out with value.

Now that Bob is on board hopefully we can do a better job updating our blog more frequently!

Welcome Bob!