As an OBM we spend a lot of time juggling: projects, people, ideas, complaints (hopefully not too many of these), etc.. we are masterful in the art of keeping all the balls in the air just to progress them forward at the exact moment they are needed 😉  Without even thinking about it we are in a constant state of leading.. ourselves, the businesses we serve and our teams.  We are leading them toward a common goal:  a successful outcome for whatever the desired result of the client is at the moment.
My question to you is: Â Do you consider yourself a leader? Â
On a daily basis do you look at the responsibilities on your plate and consider how you are going to be a better leader today to ensure tasks are done with excellence, team members are supported at the highest level, and the client’s vision is being revealed?
The truth is most of us don’t consider ourselves leaders… we consider ourselves managers.  The person who manages the moving pieces… right?
What do you feel is the difference between managing and leading? Â (feel free to respond in the comment box)
When I am coaching I share with clients that we can manage a process but we must lead a person…Â when we manage people we minimize their brilliance and only accept them for what we need from them. Â But when we lead them, we empower them to be in their ‘zone of genius’ ensuring we get the support we need and they get the fulfillment they need.
Being a strong leader is the key to being a highly successful OBM and quite frankly EXACTLY what business owners are expecting when they hire you!
So here are my 5 Tips to Being a Better Leader as an OBM
Tip # 1 — Have a Vision
You must have a clear vision for everything you are attempting to accomplish in the business, from each project to the expectation of each team member.  Without vision there is no where to lead people too… When you have a solid vision you must go a step forward and put an action plan to that vision that consist of measurable points.. be it objectives, goals, specific tasks, there must be a process in place to see the VISION become something other than a hairy fairy idea 😉
Tip # 2 – Stand for Virtue
The simple truth is no one will follow you if they cannot: trust, respect, admire or look up to you.  So if you want to be a solid leader for your team, clients, business or industry it is imperative that you purpose yourself to stand for everything that is of the highest moral element.  Being a person of VIRTUE will serve you at all times and not being a person of virtue will hinder you every time.  As business owners there are always moments of testing that come that we could ‘cheat, lie, gossip, steal, etc’ but if you want to be a person of influence do whatever it takes to stay away from these traps.. they will only hurt you in the end anyway 😉
Tip # 3 — Be Vocal
Communication is the #1 tool a leader uses to ensure the desired outcome is fulfilled… you must be VOCAL about expectations, clarifying process, repeating requests, empowering your team. Â All leaders who are successful in creating a solid structure of support around themselves and the business are strong communicators. Â When you communicate take the time to listen too… Â this is greatly needed to be certain what you have requested is fully received
Tip # 4 — Must be Vigilant
One of my favorite quotes from my husband (who is a brilliant leader in his industry) is you get what INSPECT not what you EXPECT! Â You must be VIGILANT in keeping a watchful eye on all the elements needed to be successful. Â It is not simply pop a task in and hope it is done right (or at all). Â People want boundaries, clear expectations and to know someone cares if the task gets done and if it is done correctly. Â I can assure you your ‘least effort’ will many times be the ‘greatest effort’ of others. so follow up, follow thu and follow them around if needed (well maybe not this one.. but you know what I mean)
Tip # 5 — You are Victorious
Everyone wants to be on a winning team! Â Lead your team in VICTORY. Â Remind them everyday the importance of the work they are doing, why you are passionate about supporting the community your client serves, why it matters and how the vision will be impacting to others. Â Therefor even if it’s a bad day you are still VICTORIOUS because that one day will not stop the impact you, your client, and your team is making in someones life that very day!