Great leaders ask insightful questions and leverage the wisdom of their teams and customers for better decision-making.
Every leader has to make crucial decisions. But the truth is, many leaders aren’t that great at it.
In this episode, Daniel Harkavy, the CEO of Building Champions and leadership author, will explain his approach to the seven perspectives of influential leaders and how you can use that approach to help yourself and your team make better decisions.
Here are some takeaways he shared:
1. The best leaders are internationally curious.
Become a lifelong learner. The old saying “leaders are readers” is true. Absorb as much information as you can, and then put it into practice. Look for opportunities to learn, like listening to audiobooks while in traffic.
J.R. suggests Benie Dunlaps’s TED talk, The Lifelong Learner, to better understand the importance of continuous education in your life.
Continuous education isn't optional for success — it's essential. By constantly learning new skills, trends, and knowledge, you can adapt to change, innovate with fresh ideas and deepen your expertise.
These actions solidify your credibility, attract clients and keep you competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Lifelong learning is an investment that empowers you and your business to thrive in constant change.
2. Small businesses need more community.
Build relationships and don’t wait until later.
During the pandemic, people weren’t getting together as much, which affected small business owners who needed support. Stay connected through social platforms while still seeking opportunities to get in person when possible.
For small businesses, finding a community isn't just about having friends; it's about building a support system that fosters collaboration, offers guidance through shared experiences, strengthens your brand within the local community, and provides the motivation and accountability to keep you thriving.
3. Small business owners should always know what resources are available.
Reach out to your accountant or business manager to access any available capital. When windows are open, you have to take advantage of them because eventually, that window will close. Take the time to know what’s out there.
Small business owners have a toolbox of funding options. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers loans with favorable terms and guarantees, while grants from government agencies or non-profits can provide targeted capital injections.
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter allow you to tap directly into the public's pockets. At the same time, angel investors and venture capital firms can be approached for more considerable sums if your business shows high-growth potential.
Bootstrapping with personal savings, business revenue or equipment also allows you to maintain ownership but limits initial funding.
As a next step, consider these questions regarding how you can continue to grow your business:
What’s the last book you read? What was your biggest takeaway?
How did the pandemic change your operations if you’re a small business owner?
What are some ways you can help build your small business community?
Have you had any staffing challenges since the pandemic? If so, what have they been?
Being a lifelong learner is also important in growing your business.
President Harry S. Truman once said, ‘Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.’
It’s rare for a leader to have a margin in their day-to-day calendar, but a good leader is dedicated to prioritizing lifelong learning. What we give priority to is a measure of its value to us, so a leader who is a reader has made learning a priority by blocking precious time to sharpen their axe.
Our resource, the Top 10 Business Books for New Entrepreneurs, will help you learn best practices in starting a business.