In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, effective leadership and strategic growth are essential. Based on my real-life lessons learned and useful tips from other leaders, here are some key insights and reminders on navigating these crucial areas:
Open and Continuous Communication
No one can be informed to death. This is a concise reminder of the importance of open and continuous communication, especially in tough situations. Clear, transparent communication fosters trust and collaboration within teams. In challenging times, keeping everyone informed helps in making better decisions and maintaining morale. Value-based leadership and emotional intelligence are at the core of this approach, combining effective business management with empathy to lead successfully.
Forging Your Own Path
Every organization should walk its unique path and create its own culture. Embracing the uniqueness of your organization allows for a distinctive identity that can set you apart in the marketplace. New people bring new perspectives and capabilities, helping to build a strong foundation for growth. Encouraging innovation and valuing diverse viewpoints are essential to creating a vibrant and resilient organizational culture.
Growth as a Choice
Growth is a choice that requires consistent leadership and nurturing customer understanding. Technologies must be scalable, and employee satisfaction should be measured regularly. Investing in scalable solutions ensures that your business can expand without compromising on quality or efficiency. Additionally, regularly measuring employee satisfaction – and also acting on it – helps in maintaining motivated and productive teams.
Managing Growth and Chaos
Growth is often chaotic, and clear goals are key to navigating this chaos. Entrepreneurship is back in vogue, and having clear objectives is crucial for steering the business in the right direction. Focusing on existing customers and building strong partnerships can drive the business forward, especially in crisis situations. In product development, less is more – concentrating on core functions ensures that resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Encouraging Diversity in Entrepreneurship
It’s time to break barriers and encourage diversity in entrepreneurship. Women, for instance, make up only about 10% of growth entrepreneurs in Finland. Addressing the fear of failure and other obstacles is essential to fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment. Encouraging diverse perspectives and supporting underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship can lead to innovative solutions and sustainable growth.
Developing Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
In times of crisis, the true test of leadership emerges. It is crucial for a leader to control their mind and perform their best amidst chaos. Good leadership creates winning teams, and maintaining emotional intelligence is key. Developing emotional intelligence and maintaining good morale are vital for successful leadership. These qualities help leaders stay calm, make informed decisions, and inspire their teams even in the most challenging situations.
By focusing on these principles, leaders and organizations can navigate the complexities of growth and change, fostering an environment of innovation, resilience, and success.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Suvi Ahlajärvi, Development Director at Orbis Oy, spearheads new business opportunities and leads key customer development. With 25+ years of experience, she excels in customer relationship management, strategic planning, and performance management. Her leadership focuses on increasing revenue from key accounts and improving customer satisfaction.
