In an earlier post this week entitled Business Management Coaching | Leadership isn’t just for executives, I spoke about the role of leadership in small business, and listed some attributes that successful small business leaders have in common. Today I’m going to talk about point #1, “They have a vision”
In the small business environment, leadership isn’t a phrase you hear that often, as many people who operate small businesses start and run their companies from the seat of their pants, without paying attention to the bigger picture, or how they see their company in the future.
They may plunge in head first, without having a specific idea of what they want this business to become, and plunge in feet first. But, doing this is similar to getting into your car without knowing where you want to go.
Creating a vision for your business is the first step in the strategic planning process. It helps you to set goals to move your business forward. It can motivate and inspire employees to work enthusiastically toward these goals, and outlines the direction, purpose and mission of the company. It builds loyalty, sets standards for operations, and inspires efficiency and productivity.
In short, a business without a vision, is like a moving car without a destination.
Susan Martin, business leadership coaching.
