Walking the tightrope of Business Leadership

February 23, 2011   /   by Collaboration   /   in Leadership, Management
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By Michael Gunther

Have you ever felt that you were too busy, juggling many balls in the air while trying to balance on a tight rope? That’s how I’m feeling so far this year and it’s only been seven weeks. I don’t think this is uncommon for business owners who are actively involved in growing their businesses as well as committed to volunteering in the community in which they live or work.

I recently became the chairman of the board of directors of our local chamber of commerce. This is a volunteer position – the role involves setting direction for the future, working closely with various stakeholders in the community and leading one of the top chambers in the country. Being a new role for me, it has consumed more time than I anticipated – as any new position or job might. I’m trying to remember that I have other roles I must also play such as business partner in my own business, spouse, friend and family member.

First of all, I have to admit that I have asked myself, ‘why and how did I do this to myself?’ I’m already consumed with leading my own company on some aggressive growth plans this year with new offices, new online products and a small business best practices study, and now I’ve taken on what sometimes feels like an additional part time job.

I have always volunteered for non-profits, something I was taught to value very early on by parents who were actively involved in helping and supporting various non-profits. And I’m not complaining, I’m just trying to be more contemplative, as I’ve even had a hard time channeling my creativity to write this article.

I have to remind myself to look at what this situation is already teaching me, and hopefully, what I’m learning I can pass on to others – like trying to maintain the balance between my work and volunteer activities without hindering the performance of either one.

I’m truly enjoying the new role as chamber chair – I know the projects and activities we’re involved with will have a lasting impact on our community. In addition, I have the opportunity to work with incredible leaders within our community. I’m already seeing my leadership and management skills stretching and expanding. How could my skills not expand when I’m surrounded by such experienced, highly successful people on my board?

The other lesson I’m learning while balancing on this tight rope and juggling all these balls, is that I have a strong safety net underneath me. This “net” being my strong and talented team at my own company. They have picked up any pieces I may have dropped or had to let go of because of my new time commitments and they’ve supported me to make both our company and my new role at the chamber successful. Without a doubt, they’ve made this transition much easier. The lesson I’m learning is to surround myself with a committed team and let go. Let them flourish without having to be involved in every aspect of the business.

I can already see my delegating skills getting a strong workout both in my own company and the chamber. Leading is about assisting in setting the direction but also facilitating the participation of others to get the job or goal accomplished.

The Bottom Line

Are you overwhelmed with too much to do? Step back and begin to think about how you’re spending your time. Can you begin to determine what critical items require your focus and what items you can delegate as well as those that truly are not worth you spending your time on?

I don’t question my decisions about my involvement with my volunteer activities, but I do have to make sure that I continue to focus on developing my skills through this process so that I can safely get to the other side of the rope as I am juggling all the balls in the air.

Are you leading your business with your eyes closed?

February 18, 2011   /   by Collaboration   /   in Leadership
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By Collaboration

What do you do when your business shifts? Customers are no longer knocking down your door. Your products and/or services fall behind the times because someone else has invented or offered the next best thing. It’s easy to become so involved IN your business that you don’t have the time to work ON your business and you don’t realize you missed something until it’s too late.

It’s critical to be aware of the things going on around you when you’re running a business – prospects for growth, learning opportunities, training and educational programs to further the skills of your team, involvement with community groups, volunteering for non-profits and networking. True, these activities will increase your workload, but they are critical to being a successful business owner and leader. Without opening your eyes to what’s going on around you, within your industry and your community, you will be left in the dust of your competitors.

You must consistently lead your business forward, setting and achieving new goals as you go. These “extracurricular” activities will help you reach those goals. There is always going to be someone out there working harder, learning more and building more relationships. The key is to have a balance of these activities in your daily routine, so that they are constantly creating a value to your organization, and they don’t feel like a tremendous burden.

Keep a positive attitude and seek solutions instead of focusing on problems. Don’t lose your drive and determination. Your upbeat spirit will be contagious and you’ll see it reflected in your team. The real secret to success is honest, hard work. In the words of Thomas Edison, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Lucky for you, you’re not “most people.”

As a leader in your business, are you a good mentor?

February 11, 2011   /   by Collaboration   /   in Leadership, Team Building
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By Michael Gunther

As a business leader, one must wear many hats: visionary, planner, problem solver, relationship manager and delegator. Another important role that has little time dedicated to it and is often overlooked is: mentor.

According to Wikipedia, the term mentor comes from Greek Mythology – Mentor was the son of Alcumus. Based on his near-paternal relationship with Odysseus’ sons, the term mentor had been adopted in English as a word meaning ‘a father-like’ teacher.  The modern use of this term is used to reference a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person.

I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors in my life. Growing up with sixteen siblings, my parents were often too busy raising us kids and running the household to provide some of the educational and career guidance one might expect from parents. The insight and direction I received from my first mentors significantly affected my life. Through them I discovered many things about myself. They provided me with the venues to explore new ideas and opportunities. If it weren’t for these individuals, I’m not sure if I would have gone to college or moved away from home.

Years later, early in my career, I had three great mentors: Artie Burke, Jim Kane and Mike Rowe. They helped guide my development both personally and professionally, and through their wisdom and leadership, I became the youngest vice president in my company – at 28 years old. They put me a path of continuing education and investing that’s lead me to where I am today. I will always appreciate the vested interest they had in me, both professionally and personally.

As a leader, I sometimes find it difficult to be a good mentor myself. I’m consumed with performing the tasks and duties of my various roles as managing partner of my firm, my leadership roles in community organizations, and my personal life including assisting with my mother-in-law who lives with us. I think the deeply ingrained mentality of ‘do it yourself’ from my youth has also prevented me from being the best mentor I could be.  It’s a little ironic because I work with business leaders around the country, helping them to be better leaders, and yet, I constantly have to remind myself to be a stronger, more involved mentor and teacher to my own team.

Experience has taught me that the time I do spend mentoring people on my team or in the community is invaluable for the mentee, as well as for my own development. Watching the growth of individuals and teaching them based on my skills has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. So, it’s important to make the time to share your expertise with those who are less experienced, and help them advance in their careers, education and personal development.

The Bottom Line

I encourage you to take time to find those individuals within your organization who would benefit from your mentorship – individuals who have a desire to expand and improve their personal and professional lives but lack the knowledge and experience to achieve their goals on their own at an accelerated pace. Remember to evaluate and coach on both their professional and personal development and make time at least monthly to check in on their progress. You have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, and in turn they will make a difference in yours.