This week is our 60th episode and I find that unbelievable. I am so blessed to be able to talk to you through this podcast every week, sharing my thoughts and knowledge in hopes to help out as many people as I can in building their business.
All of the topics and stories you hear are based on my real-life experiences that I’ve had over the years. I talk about everything from numbers to strategy to even the emotional aspects of business. As someone once described me, I’m a healthy blend of science and Zen. Because business is so much more than just numbers and metrics, it’s about connecting. With yourself, with your staff, and with the world around you. Which brings me to today’s topic.
With all of the businesses struggling out there right now, I still see so many that refuse to give up. And a lot of that comes from the connection they have with their staff. These people that have given so much of themselves and their lives for your business in the past, it’s important to show them that love and respect in return by not cowering away in fear. It’s not about the money, but about the passion that you both share for this business and taking care of each other.
Being a leader is tough. As entrepreneurs and business owners, we still all go through our own stuff. Our own problems and doubts and fears. But in times like these it is more important than ever to remain strong for those that are counting on us. It’s easy to think that the external experience, getting more customers through the door, reigns supreme, but that internal experience is just as important. When your staff is functioning in a healthy and happy work environment, that external piece will follow suit.
I have a few clients that have come to me in question on how to handle the situation with their staff moving forward. And the first thing I tell them is to be honest and make them feel heard. No one has all of the answers, and instead of pretending you do, it’s much more beneficial to let your staff know that you are aware of what issues they may be facing and what you are doing in return. Let them know that maybe you are scared and you are worried, but that you are also not going to give up and you will keep doing whatever it takes to stay afloat. That is one of the biggest motivators out there: letting them know that you aren’t going to stop trying.
There are 5 key factors in leading people that I like to teach people:
- Communication – The worst thing you can do is keep people in the dark. Be upfront and clear with them about any situation and maybe their part in it all so they feel involved.
- Connection – This is how we can begin to understand what everyone’s unique gifts are. Assign tasks or projects designed to uplift each person’s individual skillset. When people’s concerns are heard and they feel like an important piece of the puzzle, that’s when magic happens.
- Collaboration – Don’t shut down an idea or be afraid to voice one because it’s not in your “job description”. Letting ideas flow from places you might never have thought of can lead to great things. Your staff is also your team and thus should function like one; helping each other out.
- Creativity – Keep it flowing. Keep an open mind. No idea is a bad idea.
- Consistency – Brainstorm, plan some things out, but when you have it down pat, consistency is key. This will help to keep everyone on the same page and cause less confusion.
When all of these elements come together is when we can start to see that healthy, happy environment that our staff deserves. We aren’t inherently responsible for other people’s happiness, but if we do all that we can to create that space for people to allow themselves to be, it should come naturally.
The goal in being a strong leader through crisis is to get people to not function out of fear, but instead to look for the opportunities in adversity. To move from a place of struggle to growth without any added stress or issues along the way. It’s no simple feat, but one that will be worth it.
Don’t forget to take advantage of my FREE download, 10 Tips Towards Massive Growth, to learn how to jump-start your business to get back on it’s track towards success.
If you enjoyed this episode and in some way, it inspired you to start taking action, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Send me a DM on Instagram @theresacantley and let me know what your favorite part was.
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If there is a topic you would love me to talk about or a question you may have, send it to us at theresa@theresacantley.com and we’ll feature it on one of our future episodes.
LINKS:
To download a transcription of this episode click here.
Episode 59 – Build Your Plane While You Fly It
Episode 58 – Looking for the Lessons in Adversity
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