There is much talk about leadership and its various styles that build a successful business. Over the years, the question, “Which style of leadership works best in a start up?”, has floated through panel discussions, conferences, webinars and text books.
The reality, however, can be quite different. For start-up founders or aspiring entrepreneurs, leadership is probably the last thing on their mind. “Leadership” may be a fine word to use in B-schools and large corporations, but in startups, there is simply too much to do – nurturing an idea, building technology, finding the right talent, monitoring sales and managing the cash, among many other things.
With the never-ending work of building a business comes hustle, humility and honest hard work. These values create the foundation of a leadership ‘style’ focused on building a team that is driven, nimble and most importantly, enjoys every part of their job. Here are a few of my learnings about leadership & work culture:
1. Passion is infectious: If a founder is deeply passionate about what they are building, it shows and spills over to everyone around them. It is hard to ignore and impossible not to imbibe. The idea and purpose that drives the founder acts like a magnet in drawing the team together.
2. Perfection kills progress: Perfection – for builders, dreamers and non-traditionalists – is a trap. It is a threat to innovation, and focusing efforts on achieving it delays opportunities and momentum. Instead, urge your team to trade per – fection for action, and lead by example.
3. You can’t lead without getting your hands dirty: If you’re not there, tackling a challenge handson in the middle of a crisis (and crises are a daily phenomena in this world), then that’s the example you’re setting for your team. The only way to drive ownership is to exhibit it.
4. Values > Skills: Values are intrinsic, skills can be built. Hire a team that shares the same values as you. The values of the core team are what builds into a work culture of the organization, so cultivate them with care.
5. A good leader is a great listener: One of the greatest virtues of a good leader is to be a patient listener. Listen to what your team has to say. Every single person in your team does something better than you do, knows something that you don’t and brings something unique to the table. Encourage them to share their perspective and let yourself and your business grow from it.
Having said this, leadership is the last thing you should worry about while building a business. If you are passionate, curious and compassionate, it will come to you naturally. If it doesn’t, I hope these tips help!
The writer is founder & CEO, The Better India & The Better Home.