No matter what industry you dive into as a small business owner, there's a handful of crucial values and skills that can make or break your game. Take, for instance, the art of navigating people and plans – it's like having a secret sauce that makes everything work like a charm. And let's not forget about embracing change and being the accountability guru – these traits can take you places. Lastly, asking killer questions and mastering the art of listening are like gold dust – they earn you respect in the long run.
Now, you might be wondering, "How on earth do I do that?"
Effective Communication: Start with a communication plan – jot down the nitty-gritty of how, when, and by whom project info will be thrown into the ring. When you're talking, make sure your thoughts come out like a well-orchestrated symphony. Active listening is the name of the game – now and forever. And oh, tweak your communication style depending on who you're dealing with – it's like having a secret code for a flawless message delivery.
Overcome Fear of Risk/Handle Change: Risk, my friend, is like that unpredictable guest at a party. You can accept it, eliminate it, mitigate it, or pass it on to someone else. Once you've figured out your risk game plan, dance with the inevitable change that follows. Break down the big challenges into bite-sized pieces, embrace a growth mindset (think of challenges as your learning playground), and always focus on the silver lining of taking calculated risks.
Ask More Questions/Listen Better: There are four golden rules for making Q&A sessions rock. First, show some respect – it's a two-way street. Then, let the other person do the talking first (trust me, your message won't escape your mind). Clarify expectations – clean up that original ask. Lastly, hold yourself accountable.
In simpler terms, throw in some open-ended questions, be genuinely curious about the responses, and for the love of conversations, don't interrupt. Let others spill the beans – it works wonders.
Inspire Accountability: People, whether they think of themselves as leaders, followers, or some hybrid creature, notice actions. So, lead by example and be the accountability maestro. Define expectations and goals clearly (remember the communication plan?). Encourage your team to feel like they own the joint.
It's also not a bad idea to jot down updates – it creates a rhythm of accountability. Keeping others in the loop about how things are rolling can keep the peace and connection intact. Plus, written updates are like a transparency magic trick, and that, my friend, earns you some serious respect.