You're an entrepreneur who wants to grow your business. How can you develop the leadership skills to do it?

The one common trait in all leaders that I have come across is a strong ability to introspect. We may try to project our beliefs on others, but if we cannot do it on ourselves it wouldn't help.

Developing leadership skills is essential for entrepreneurs aiming to grow their businesses. Enhancing leadership abilities involves continuous learning, seeking mentorship, practicing self-awareness, effective communication, leading by example, delegating, developing emotional intelligence, making strategic decisions, building a strong team, and adapting to change. By focusing on these aspects, entrepreneurs can improve their leadership skills and drive business growth.

In my close to 10 years of working in a startup ish kind of environment… a trait that I have seen in succesful leaders is their ability to detach themselves from the always busy list of to do items , observe and make a conscious effort to build teams from the grounds up. Being cognizant of the strengths and weaknesses of team members, capitalising on their strengths and working on alleviating the weaknesses, always works in the long run

Meditate and confront your psychological 'shadows' to continuously challenge your biases and learn with every step. Overcome fear, cultivate courage daily, and embrace 'no' as a valuable response. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint; commit to a lifetime of growth and evolution. Play the long game, and you will be acknowledged as a true leader.

Invest in learning. Take assessment tests like Clifton Strengths to recognize your strengths and continue building on them. Your growth opportunities will require you to bring on experts who can operate in excellence where your knowledge is limited.

I actively seek out mentors, attend workshops, and read books written by successful leaders to learn from their experiences. Learning from the successes and failures of others has provided valuable insights that I can apply to my own leadership journey.

Don't assume that you can only learn from people who are a big success already. Just because someone hasn't done what you're trying to do doesn't mean they don't have other experiences that could be helpful. The orientation that you can learn from everyone you come in contact with will serve you in more ways than just your own learning. It will strengthen your relationships, the quality of your network, and your ability to lead others. All of which are essential as you grow your business. Steps to learning from anyone: 1) Always be curious 2) Ask lots of open-ended questions 3) REALLY listen Sounds simplistic but 90% of people don't do this. Be the 10% that do and you'll amplify your learning and your success.

Fools learn from their own experience. The wise learn from the experience of others. Read case studies, listen to podcasts, explore different books from various leaders. You will then be able to define your own style and methods.

You cannot remain idle on the sidelines. You must take action. Delegate tasks, take charge of meetings and calls, go on podcasts, resolve conflicts, network, and don't be afraid to fail.

Practicing and applying your leadership skills involves actively using and refining these skills in real-world scenarios. This means taking on leadership roles, whether in projects, within your team, or in larger organizational contexts, and consciously applying the principles and techniques you've learned. It's about translating theory into action, learning from successes and failures, and being adaptive to feedback and changing situations. Through consistent practice, you can hone your decision-making, communication, and problem-solving abilities, and develop a more intuitive understanding of how to lead effectively. This hands-on experience is vital for reinforcing your learning, building confidence, and evolving as a leader.

If you fail to keep learning and evolving, you will become stagnant. Being stagnant will bog you down and put you at a disadvantage. There are countless newsletters, blogs, and books that you can use to continue to cramp your cranium and grow.

Empowering your team is key to scaling your business for success. You need to give your team the tools and freedom they need to thrive. In another scaling context, if you were climbing a mountain, you wouldn't carry all the gear yourself; you share the load. That builds trust and boosts morale. By setting clear goals and celebrating victories together, everyone knows what they're aiming for and feels part of the journey. A team that feels empowered and valued is more motivated and productive, making growth journey smoother, and better preparing your business for an exit. If you want to step back or step aside at some stage, you must make every team member a leader in their own right.

In my opinion, a true leader is the one who not only preaches but practices what needs to be done. Your team would try to emulate you if they know that you have the potential to overcome any hurdle or manage any contingency at work. For example, in 2011 Cricket World Cup Final, Dhoni after realising that the team was in a difficult situation decided to come up the order and bat. His decision could have backfired but he had the confidence and talent to lead his team to victory finally. This is one of the best examples of remarkable leadership for ages to come. Leadership is practiced more in actions rather than just in words.

Leading by example really sets the tone for organisation culture and values. By showing your real efforts you can simply inspire trust and confidence in your team members.

From my experience, Lead by example is about setting a high standard for integrity, dedication, and excellence, and demonstrating these traits in your everyday actions. When leaders act consistently with their words, they earn respect and trust, which are essential for effective leadership. This approach inspires and motivates your team to emulate these positive behaviors, contributing to a strong, cohesive work culture. Leading by example also involves showing vulnerability, admitting mistakes, and being open to learning—demonstrating that growth and improvement are ongoing processes. This authenticity fosters a supportive environment where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.

As an entrepreneur aiming to grow your business, developing leadership skills is essential for guiding your team effectively and achieving your goals. Here are some steps to enhance your leadership abilities: Self-assessment Education and learning Mentorship Networking Feedback Practice Reflect and adapt Lead by example Build a supportive culture Balance confidence and humility By focusing on these areas, you can develop the leadership skills necessary to guide your business toward success and growth.