5 Attributes of Successful Business Leaders

(By Murray Newlands)

“Successful business people make decisions all of the time. If you cannot make decisions, forget about it. Businesses oftentimes flounder because their ‘leaders’ cannot decide what they should do in regard to the simplest of things; therefore, they wind up doing nothing. The world is changing at a rapid pace, businesses must evolve, as well. Doing absolutely nothing will be the worst business decision you could ever make“.

Even though many various kinds of individuals have shown to be a success in business, I believe there are numerous strengths and personal attributes that often include the marks of successful business leaders.

There are a lot of individuals out there who have fantastic ideas. You know, the sort of individual who does a bunch of talking yet never actually makes anything happen. Also, there are too many individuals so desperate to get on with things they blindly take on a poor idea and wind up beating a dead horse. Needless to say, people who are successful in business get things done, yet not before they have conducted their research and considered the cons and pros.

They are risk takers

Successful business people usually have high tuned ‘bull**** radars,’ as well as a natural capability of getting directly to the root of things, meaning they have the ability to make reasoned judgments faster than most people. Also, they usually have the ability to place themselves in the customers’ shoes–that’s so important while evaluating whether their products are going to sell and how they ought to be marketed. They do not have any crystal balls, therefore, people who are successful in business must be calculated risk takers.

They are decisive

Successful business people make decisions all of the time. If you cannot make decisions, forget about it. Businesses oftentimes flounder because their ‘leaders’ cannot decide what they should do in regard to the simplest of things; therefore, they wind up doing nothing. The world is changing at a rapid pace, businesses must evolve, as well. Doing absolutely nothing will be the worst business decision you could ever make.

They are willing to make tough decisions

People who are successful business leaders also are willing to make tough decisions. My dad always used to say to me ‘look after your business and your business will look after everybody else’. They are not hard though, they are tough. Individuals who are hard do not consider the consequences of their actions and really don’t care about them. Individuals who are tough think about the consequences of their actions, weigh up their alternatives and then decide on the plan they think is best for the entire business.

They are confident

Needless to say, if you have a desire to be a success in business you must have self-belief and full confidence in your convictions. Though, it does not mean that you may set your course and not ever stray from it. You must have the ability to listen to others’ opinions, points of view, and ideas along the way. At times, you will have to adapt in light of this; however, you additionally have to be pretty thick skinned and have the ability to brush off any negative comments. If you have listened to those negative comments, been honest with yourself and still, you think your way is the right way, stick to it. On the flip side, you cannot afford for your own pride to stop progress. If you hire staff and they suggest a way that is better than yours, you should thank them, and encourage them to suggest more. Forget about your pride, you are there to develop a successful business; therefore take all the assistance you can get!

They are leaders

With staff members, I believe the most crucial thing includes being consistent and making certain everyone believes in and is clear about what you are all working toward. Individuals require leadership, as well as a sense of direction. Leave them to do their job! Be as truthful as possible with the staff, treat them well and encourage them, they are going to permit you to make it happen. Though, keep in mind, in order to be a successful business leader you additionally must be ready to sometimes be the bad guy.

In all honestly being the head of a business is an extremely tricky balancing act. No one will get it right all of the time, even successful leaders make awful mistakes, they will just recognize them, learn from them–then move on.

Murray Newlands is a startup adviser, investor, and entrepreneur. He’s written for many major publications, such as VentureBeat and Entrepreneur.

Source: INC

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