Cheerleader Or Coach? There's No “I” In Team!

Go Team! Being a boss is sometimes like being head cheerleader... minus the cute skirt, megaphone and quarterback boyfriend. Not saying you don't own any cute skirts, yours are probably just longer. And maybe your BF has transitioned to golf. Anyway, whether you run your own company or lead a team at someone else's, if you manage a staff, sometimes your role is to be on the sidelines and get your group fired up about work. Other times, being a boss is more like being a coach, minus the whistle and endless supply of athletic polo shirts. You not only cheer for and support your team, but you also offer guidance and constructive critiques. That's how it is when you're a leader. You have to play different roles depending on the situation.

The more flexible and adaptable you are, the easier it'll be for you to switch between cheerleading and coaching modes. Cute skirt one minute; logo'd polo the next. Megaphone here; loud whistle blow there. It's your job to discern what each situation calls for. Doing that well — being able to read the room, so to speak — will help you inspire your staff and motivate them to want to do their best. It's not about you in these moments. It's about your team and figuring out what they will respond to.

Act Like A Leader And Others Will Follow!

No one likes a micromanager! Right? I can't think of a single time anyone I know spoke fondly about a manager who hovered over their shoulder and re-did all their work. You probably can't either. You'll always get better results when you empower your staff to make decisions and solve problems without you. And when they do that, be a cheerleader and say, "Yay team, way to go!"

Communicate your plans and goals so everyone knows what needs to be accomplished and what the overall vision is. When employees understand a leader's vision and feel trusted to help execute it, they'll feel inspired to work hard for the company's success. If you can do this, you're being a good coach.

I Said It Before And I'll Say It Again!

I'm about to repeat myself here by borrowing from one of my blogs in the not-too-distant past. However, it's for good reason! The info is perfectly on-topic for this post about how to be a good leader and inspire your staff.

• Trust them, dammit! Empower your staff to make decisions on their own — you hired them, you should trust their judgment. Give them the freedom to exercise it.
• Don't be that boss! Allow them to proceed without getting permission or approval for everything. OMG can you imagine how annoying it would be to have one of those bosses?!! Don't be one of those bosses!!
• Think macro, not micro! Trust your staff to resolve problems themselves. You can't do everything yourself, nor should you have to. That's why you pay people. So give the competent people you hired enough direction on what you want, then let them take it from there. By all means have them check in with you, but you don't need to micromanage.
• Inclusion, not exclusion! Encourage involvement that will give valuable experience. The more an employee learns on the job, the better they'll be at that job, so let them broaden their horizons so to speak. The more they understand about their job, the industry, the company as a whole, the relationships involved — you name it — the more they'll have to contribute.
• You're the boss, don't hog the spotlight! Did someone do something well? Then tell them! And tell other people, too. No need to keep someone's good work a secret — or pretend that it was all you! People need to hear that their work is valued and appreciated. So if it is, make sure they know.

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

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I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Leader – Tip #1:

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"If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader." – Dolly Parton

Leader – Tip #2:

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"We treat our people like royalty. If you honor and serve the people who work for you, they will honor and serve you." – Mary Kay Ash

Leader – Tip #3:

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"I want every little girl who’s told she’s bossy, to be told instead she has leadership skills." – Sheryl Sandberg

Leader – Tip #4:

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"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." – Ronald Reagan

Leader – Tip #5:

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"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." – Peter Drucker

Let's talk! I'd love to hear what you think makes a good leader!

What are some of the best ways for a leader to motivate and inspire a team? I would LOVE to hear from you! Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week!

Oh by the way, in case you're looking for something to help with time management, we've got this fun little quiz to test your productivity. Are you a Vodka & Red Bull? A Dirty Dirty? Or a plucky Blue Sapphire? Find out which cocktail you are by taking our quiz right now!

And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

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