Business leaders have a varied number of responsibilities that range from hiring, training and scheduling to goal setting, building morale and mentoring. Small business leaders often are tasked with a variety of managerial functions and frequently work among their staffers. While specific leadership responsibilities are based on the type of business and industry the leader is associated with, there are several key duties of a good leader that span across all fields. The duties of a good leader are:
Supervision of Daily Activities
A key responsibility of a leader in a small business is overseeing the daily activities of his staff. This typically includes scheduling, assigning tasks, developing work flow charts and project plans. It may also involve setting goals with individual employees and helping them secure the tools and resources necessary to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities.
Good leaders develop strong workplace morale by encouraging their employees, helping them develop professionally and achieve individual pre-established goals and objectives. Leaders solicit input, provide evaluation and feedback and offer constructive criticism when necessary. Additionally, effective leaders will assist employees in troubleshooting work issues, handling problematic customers and helping them focus on the positive aspects of their performance.
Many leaders are tasked with mediating interoffice disputes between colleagues. This can involve the responsibilities of listening to employee concerns, documenting problematic areas and helping staffers resolve workplace issues. Besides, the responsibility of a leader is to act as the first line of defence between employees and customers when problems arise, helping to mitigate damage and smooth over customer service issues.
Leaders are charged with reprimanding and disciplining employees when necessary. The process typically includes responsibilities such as counseling, setting improvement goals and following up on problem areas. In the event an employee displays chronic levels of unprofessional behavior or poor performance, a leader is also faced with the decision to terminate a worker when necessary.
Leading by Example
An effective manager will lead by example, modeling the behavior he expects to see from staff members. This includes setting a workplace code of conduct, behaving ethically and treating colleagues, clients and employees with respect. Good leaders follow their own rules, are timely to work and appointments, meet established deadlines and contribute to the best of their ability.
Mentoring the Subordinates
As reported by the University of Southern Indiana, a good leader will help others develop their professional skills and talents. This includes mentoring, job shadowing and delegating appropriately increasing levels of responsibility to qualified employees. The responsibility of leader is to serve as a sounding board for employees, sharing knowledge and advice and supporting continuing education and professional development.
Good leaders have effective written and verbal communication skills. This allows them to fulfill their leadership responsibilities such as communicating with employees regularly on a variety of levels, providing feedback and offering suggestions. As reported in Forbes Magazine, "leaders must motivate, instruct and discipline the people they are in charge of." Leaders use communication skills to brainstorm, share information, set goals, make assignments, lead meetings and be effective managers.