Small business owners have to take on many roles in any given day, and developing a strong leadership style can improve the way that contractors and other professionals implement ideas, tackle challenges and lead their teams to success. Abraham Lincoln is one of our nation's most admired thinkers. As President, he led our country through an incredibly complex and difficult time. There are a multitude of lessons to be learned from his examples, many of which can be used to design or improve one's leadership style within the workplace.
The ability to share credit for success
Lincoln was able and willing to celebrate the successful endeavors of others, including his cabinet members. No man is an island, and business owners must be able to set aside their own ego and share credit when others have contributed to a positive outcome.
The ability to share blame for failure
Abraham Lincoln, like many great leaders, never placed undue blame upon others, but was unflinching in his ability to give an honest critique on failed efforts. Failure is a learning opportunity, and to deny its existence is to overlook a chance to learn and improve. For those within the contracting industry, addressing problems and concerns also provides a chance to demonstrate a commitment to excellence, which clients admire.
The importance of building and protecting a good reputation
Lincoln knew that your word was worth something, and that people come to know you through a combination of your actions and statements. In a leadership role, it is imperative to speak the truth and deliver on your promises. Anything less will undermine credibility with both employees and the public. Small businesses live or die by their reputation within their industry, and smart owners will cultivate and nourish their company's reputation.
Lead by example, in person
One of the most impressive traits that Lincoln brought to our nation is his willingness to get right into the thick of things and lead in a visible, tangible way. Business owners should avoid ruling from afar at all costs. It is incredibly powerful to stand with one's team and work through challenges together. Direct leadership also helps workers feel supported, which inspires loyalty.
Clearly communicate goals and vision
Lincoln's speeches are among the most recognizable artifacts that we have as a nation. The definition of leadership is to inspire action in others with your words and deeds; to provide a roadmap by which your team can navigate their way through the problem at hand. Having the ability to clearly communicate the goals and vision of your small business leads to success.
Ability to learn while doing
Flexibility is at the heart of any successful endeavor; an inability to alter one's course is deadly. Lincoln knew how to take the advice of those he trusted and combine that with his own observations and experience to alter the plan when need be. A great business owner will do the same, and will show his team the power that comes with improvising a new plan when the old one simply isn't working.
Be an active listener
Lincoln may be known for his writing and public speaking skills, but he was also a highly accomplished listener. A great leader is not only willing to listen to the input of others; he or she will seek that wisdom out and mine it for all it is worth. Collaboration is at the heart of victory, whether on the battlefield or on a job site. Business owners should always be willing to listen to the concerns and ideas of their team, and to use that input to move the company forward.