Why leadership can’t be delegated and how to develop your own style 

If you’re a business owner, you’re a leader – whether you want to be or not. For some, building and leading a team, getting the most out of people and nurturing talent are some of the most rewarding aspects of the job. It’s what gets them out of bed with a spring in their step. 

Yet for others, the people side of running a business can feel like a chore, their least favoured and therefore often neglected part of the role. This applies to those with employees, of course, but also to those who ‘manage’ associates, outsource partners and suppliers.  

Anyone can be a great leader  

Leadership does come naturally to a fortunate few, but the vast majority of effective business leaders, and even those with natural talent, have to work at it. They develop and perfect their leadership skills over time. They cultivate leadership-enhancing habits, like communicating a clear purpose, delegating and giving praise; they’re not afraid to seek support to become better at it. 

It’s the classic ‘nature versus nurture’ debate. Except when it comes to leadership, it’s rare that anyone can rely solely on nature. Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, a confident communicator or someone who measures their words, a ‘big picture’ visionary or a detail-oriented person, you can learn to be a great leader. 

No one else will lead your business for you 

Being able to let go and delegate is part of being a strong leader. But, ironically, if you’re the owner and active in your business, the one thing you cannot fully delegate is leadership. Like it or not, it falls to you as the business owner to communicate and reinforce key messages about the business’s purpose, values and goals. You set the tone and provide direction. 

The good news is two-fold: you don’t have to be the sole leader in your business; in fact, great leadership includes building teams with whom you can share the leadership. A mix of styles, personalities and experiences aligned around a common message is extremely powerful.

Furthermore, as the person setting the tone and providing overall direction, the best way to lead is by being authentic. You don’t need a personality transplant to be a great leader; you just need support to develop your own personal leadership style. Leadership coaching and mentoring can work wonders – and that’s where Henchards can help. 

Leadership skills matter for growth 

Many times I’ve had business owners say something like, “If only we could go back to working from the garage, just like at the beginning. We were happy then!” That’s because while some business owners are natural communicators and leaders, many find ‘people’ the hardest, most stressful part of running a business. 

Natural or not, leadership skills are vital for a successful business owner. Especially as the business grows, your people will look to someone to articulate the company’s purpose, direction, and values. That someone is you. 

Even with a manager or senior team in place, you cannot completely delegate leadership. If you’re active in the day-to-day life of the business, people will look to you for direction. Improving your leadership skills is almost always possible, with self-awareness and expert guidance. 

You don’t have to be a tub-thumping extrovert if that’s not your natural self. Many of today’s most successful leaders are introverts. They tend to be strategic thinkers, more inclined to listen and empathise, and are capable of building loyal, committed teams around them. Many can also deliver rousing oration when needed, showing flexibility depending on the situation. The key is being authentic – rooting your leadership in yourself and in the purpose and values of your business. 

Finding a way forward 

The first step is easy: seek leadership advice and support. From there you’ll see noticeable results quickly. Henchards works with business owners to develop authentic leadership styles and strategic thinking, including leadership strategies that tie into long-term business exits. 

Leadership is not just about the day-to-day; it’s about positioning your business for the future, including preparing your company for a smooth exit when the time comes. Even if a full exit isn’t on your horizon, building leadership capability now ensures the business is strong and sustainable for eventual succession. 

For more guidance, check out this leadership video.  

Talk to Henchards today about boosting your leadership skills and shaping the future of your business, whether that means growth, succession, or a successful business exit.