Member Article

What does it take to become the boss?

It’s Entrepreneurship Week on Bdaily. Business coach and personal career mentor Penny Davenport shares her insights into becoming the boss.

The number of people starting their own businesses in the UK is more than 4 million, according to the Open University Business School (http://www.touchfinancial.co.uk/record-numbers-of-new-businesses-are-opening-up/). You may want to crack on with the next big business idea and we say, “Good for you!” but are you equipped to morph from employee into employer? Here are the top 5 tips for becoming The Boss.

1. Skill Up!

You wouldn’t try and drive an HGV without the necessary training. You’d hire a pattern cutter to make your new designs. But everyone thinks they have the ability to be a manmanager. And that is precisely why so many managers are shockingly awful. Even if you have good natural charisma and communication skills, think about taking a short course in management skills, or even start by reading a book.

2. Be an Ambassador

It sounds obvious but as the head of a company you set the tone for everything you do. Give a clear, and strong, message to your employees about what you are trying to do and the impression you want to leave with clients. This is key if you want to grow your business. Ensure every action shows top quality. Push for continuous improvement and be positive.

3. Man Up

As The Boss, you may not always be liked. This may come as a shock when moving from a team role to the top but it is a fact of life. You ought to be fair and to treat people in the right way but it is more important to be respected than to be liked. Be strong and plow your own furrow.

4. Remember the Platinum Rule

The Golden Rule in business is, “Treat others how you would like to be treated.” The Platinum Rule is, “Treat others how they would like to be treated.” We know that the best managers have a clear and consistent style, and in tips 2 and 3, we say to stand firm. However, the ultimate managers are able to tweak their style and their behaviours to make their employees feel most comfortable and confident, and therefore to make them most productive. This is an art form but is also a science that can learned.

5. Plan your rewards

Rewards need to do just that, reward. Too many rewards lead to a laissez-faire attitude; too few breed resentment. In addition to the cash compensation for your staff, consider whether you will offer bonuses or commission for performance. Will you buy a few drinks on a regular basis or have a big annual party? Be consistent with your rewards. Listen to feedback, certainly, but don’t get confused or you will confuse your team.

Experienced business coach and personal career mentor, Penny Davenport, has 20 years experience helping people in big and small businesses achieve their career goals and personal dreams through her unique coaching programme.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Penny Davenport .