No black-and-white manual explains how to become a good leader overnight.
Some people are naturally good at leadership, and the demands of leadership come easily. But it's easier said than done.
While no specific manual tells you how to run your exact team on a day-to-day level, Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a pretty good way to start. There are specific habits and behavioural changes we can make to encourage better leadership skills and therefore improve the livelihood of our business.
Being a good leader requires...
- Visionary thinking and innovation
- Effective communication
- Resilience and motivation
- Empowering others
- Learning continuously
- Ethical leadership
- Time management and organisation
Habit 1: Be proactive
At the core of effective leadership lies the ability to be proactive. Take the reins by anticipating challenges, identifying opportunities, and taking initiative.
Instead of merely reacting to circumstances, embrace a proactive mindset that empowers you to shape outcomes. Don't sit around and wait for the storm to pass. If something needs fixing, do something about it.
In the fast-paced world of marketing, being proactive is all about staying ahead of industry trends, understanding customer needs, and initiating strategic moves. It involves taking calculated risks, making decisions, and taking responsibility for the outcomes.
Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind
Covey's second habit encourages us to envision the destination before plotting the journey. As an SME owner or marketing manager, this principle is your compass, guiding your business toward a clear and compelling vision. Take time to define your goals, both short-term and long-term. What does success look like for your SME? How will your marketing efforts contribute to the company's overarching vision?
Crafting a well-defined mission statement and setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals aligns your team's efforts and keeps everyone on the same page. When the end goal is crystal clear, decisions become more straightforward, and every action takes you one step closer to realising your vision.
Habit 3: Put first things first
Effective leaders understand the importance of prioritisation. Covey's third habit urges us to focus on what truly matters. For SME owners and marketing managers, this means honing in on high-priority tasks that align with the company's objectives.
Implement time management strategies (think Eisenhower Matrix) to categorise tasks based on urgency and importance. Delegate responsibilities when you need to, and take advantage of each team member's strengths. By putting first things first, you not only enhance productivity but also create a workplace culture that values efficiency and effectiveness. Win-win.
Habit 4: Think win-win
Covey's fourth habit encourages leaders to seek mutually beneficial solutions, fostering a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. Essentially, you want to cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive. Lay the foundation for lasting partnerships and a positive brand reputation.
Collaborative marketing campaigns that benefit both your business and partners, win-win client relationships, and a supportive team culture contribute to sustained success.
Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Communication is the bedrock of effective leadership. Habit number five encourages leaders to listen empathetically before expressing their own ideas.
Take the time to genuinely understand your team members, clients, and industry trends. Actively listen, ask clarifying questions, and demonstrate genuine interest. When your team feels heard and understood, they are more likely to contribute their best ideas, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Habit 6: Synergize
Synergy, the combined power of a group that exceeds the sum of individual efforts, is at the heart of Covey's sixth habit. This is all about recognising the unique strengths of each team member and leveraging them.
Encourage brainstorming sessions, cross-functional collaboration, and diverse perspectives. Remember, the whole is often greater than the sum of its parts - i.e. synergy is the catalyst for unlocking that latent potential within your team.
Habit 7: Sharpen the saw
The final habit emphasises the importance of self-renewal and continuous improvement. In the dynamic world of SMEs and marketing, staying relevant and resilient is crucial. As a leader, invest in your own personal and professional development, and encourage your team to do the same
Attend industry conferences, engage in ongoing training, and foster a culture of learning within your organisation. By continually sharpening the saw, you ensure that you and your team are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.
