Entrepreneurs Teach!
Entrepreneurs Teach!Entrepreneurs wear many different hats. One they might not consider is the teaching hat. It isn’t just a role, it’s a leadership style that goes beyond just managing a team. Being a teacher allows you to guide and improve team member performance over time. It’s more effective than other styles and boosts team morale.
Provide Clear Training
Far too many entrepreneurs are afraid of letting go of the reins. They micromanage every detail instead of just training employees and trusting them. Part of their fear comes from not providing others clear training. Entrepreneurs have to understand their own processes and how to teach them to anyone. The better training you provide, the better an team member can perform without needing you to stand over their shoulder. This is also an investment of time up front, though it pays for itself later. For more information, visit Provide Training for More Effective Outsourcing.
Build Trust And Respect
If you don’t know what you’re doing, how can you expect your team to respect you? You’re not just an entrepreneur. You’re their boss and leader. You have to set a good example for them as a teacher. Show them you know the job inside and out by teaching it effectively. You build trust and respect by sharing your knowledge with the team day in and day out. Michael Hyatt has done a podcast that highlights the importance of building trust.
Create Leaders
When entrepreneurs don’t let others take control, they find themselves locked in to all aspects of their business. There are times you will need to do other things, such as taking a vacation or spend time with specific clients. This means you’ll need others who can step into a leadership position. Don’t be afraid to take team members under your wing and train them to be that leader. Teach them to make decisions, be responsible and inspire others so you can step away when needed.
Encourage Growth
If you want to build a team that grows with the company, you have to give your team a reason to stay. Part of that is giving them the opportunity to move forward within the company. If they are always stuck in the same position, they might just move on. Work with your team and teach them new skills. Help them constantly grow and improve in their position. When the time comes, they are ready to move up and train their replacement. This saves you time and ensures you have a team you can trust.
Brainstorm New Ideas
Many entrepreneurs don’t really know how to brainstorm. It compiling ideas about a specific topic or goal. Entrepreneurs don’t have to think of everything alone. Some might have an idea, but have no concept of how to build on it. By teaching team members how to brainstorm, it’s easier to come up with innovative ideas to improve the business. I have participated in some board brainstorming sessions that were excellent and provided real growth opportunities for the organization.
It’s time for entrepreneurs to be great teachers. Once you learn how to teach your team, you will be amazed at what they can do without you having to manage them. All you have to do is teach and then guide them. They will be more successful and so will you.