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Human Resources
How can you tell if you're a bad leader? Take note if you're losing customers and employees 'Business Lifeguard' tells SMEs
"Many entrepreneurs forget - business is personal."
TORONTO - An economic slowdown in Canada is one step closer to reality and there's only one way to ride out the tough times if you're an entrepreneur - make sure your leadership skills are top notch. Without these skills in place, you'll bleed customers, key employees and cash, according to Norm Nopper, Director, Varanor International.
"Successful entrepreneurs know that the purpose of their business is to
create and keep customers. They strive to attract customers who will buy, buy
often and pay on time. They also know that healthy employee/management
relations drive customer satisfaction and business success," noted Mr. Nopper.
"Leadership, employee engagement and managing key relationships need to
be the focus of business right now," he added. "However, if you're fighting in
a burning house - you won't get out."
Varanor International is a management and training consulting firm that
provides business strategy to Canadian companies. Mr. Nopper has a 25-year
track record helping companies - including Honeywell Canada, Magna and many
SMEs - increase profits. Entrepreneurs, he explained, can become insulated
from the world and may not realize their leadership skills need a tune up -
until an economic slowdown hits.
Here, according to Mr. Nopper, are signs of poor leadership:
1. Your employees are leaving - or they remain but are actively
disengaging from their jobs, your customers and you.
2. Your company is losing customers.
3. Your bank is cutting your line of credit.
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"Your business is the central point of a relationship between three key
stakeholders: customers, employees and investors. If any one of these
stakeholders becomes unhappy with the relationship, it will negatively impact
your business the next day," explained Mr. Nopper. "Business is personal, and
your leadership is the glue that bonds and strengthens these relationships."
With training, a leader can transition from bad to great. Mr. Nopper has
worked with business leaders, helping them acquire qualities such as
visioning, communication and building trust.
"The human dimension of business can be learned," he said.
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