By Amanda Chocko
As an entrepreneur, having strong leadership skills is imperative. Even if you do not have any employees, you must lead your business by interacting with clients, vendors, contractors and prospects. Recently, I attended a seminar where the speaker handed out an index card titled “The Leadership Test”. The purpose of the index card is to keep it on your desk and take the test each night before you go home. I encourage you to read these questions every morning before you begin your day, and again before you leave your office. Here is the test:
- Did you recognize someone today? How about a pat on the back or a thank you?
- Did you make an impact today? Specifically list what you did to move the business.
- How many customer contacts did you have today?
- Did you teach, counsel, or motivate someone today?
- Did you listen today? If yes, write down what you learned.
- Did you think about your vision for your team?
- Are you people focused? How do you know?
- Did you provide a blast of energy, electricity, and excitement today?
- Is each member of your team meeting your expectations? If no, what will be your efforts to improve each person’s performance?
- Driving home tonight-what is the thing you’re going to do to make your team better tomorrow?
How did you do? It is so easy to get wrapped up in tasks and putting our fires each day. Take the time to step away and evaluate how you are leading and interacting with the people who are helping to drive your business.