The Leadership Journey: 5 Business Foundations
Ask any architect or general contractor and they’ll tell you that if you want a building to last it needs to have a solid foundation. Buildings with a solid foundation not only stand the test of time but can also support expansion. The same is true for your business. Business owners that want to lead their organizations forward to achieve goals in the coming year must have a solid foundation from which to begin. Leadership is a journey, and the following 5 business foundations will give your organization the support it needs while empowering you to lead effectively into the future.
Foundation #1: Mission
The creation of your mission statement is the cornerstone of building a lasting structure for your business, team, or group. It is your why, a physical manifestation of what you stand for and what you intend to do. Everyone from your team to your clients will understand why your organization exists and what you have to offer.
Your mission statement should not be wordy - no paragraphs or flowery language. The best mission statements are simple and concise, separating you from the competition, and giving everyone who reads it a clear understanding of what you intend to accomplish.
Believe in what you write down, stand behind it in adversity,
and seek to reference it consistently.
Foundation #2: Vision
Your newly created mission statement defines who you are and how you operate today. Your vision statement is focused on the future. It is what keeps you moving forward toward a big goal.
Once you become satisfied, you stop improving.
It holds the team accountable. Every action or inaction is weighed in light of the vision statement. Will this decision help me to get where I want to be? Knowing what you are reaching for enables you to create a plan that will get you closer to your vision. Once your vision statement is clearly articulated, share it with your team. When the entire organization is moving in the same direction and people understand where they fit in the bigger scheme of things, it leads to a positive and productive culture.
Foundation #3: Core Values
Regardless of whether you have ever sat down to document what you value, you live by certain values every day. The qualities that you find important guide even the most simple decisions, like choosing whether or not to work out every day. By becoming more conscious of our core values, we can become more deliberate in our choices.
The same can be said for your organization. A business needs documented and shared core values. These values serve as a barometer for decisions about who you hire (or fire), who you want to do business with (or not), and how your company operates and builds relationships overall.
When decisions are made without consideration for professional core values, the risk is high for your “ship” to move off course or falter. Conversely, when your core values steer your course, just like a ship with a strong hull, mast, and rudder, you will be equipped to navigate choices with relative ease.
Foundation #4: Leadership Philosophy
Once your course is set and you have a solid ship to sail, you must determine what kind of captain you will be and communicate that to your team. This is called a leadership philosophy- a written document that is a comprehensive statement about you, the leader. Your leadership philosophy provides insight and understanding for how you make decisions and the expectations you have of others. It also empowers you to take vacation and time off, because others are able to make decisions on your behalf in your absence when they have a guide to follow.
This is not a list of company policies. Rather, it is a roadmap that is specific to your leadership style, personal values, operating principles, and expectations.
Foundation #5: The 4 Essential Policies
Who you are as a leader and how you operate in your leadership capacity sets the tone for the team. While using core values to guide your decisions is critical, organizations cannot survive without 4 essential policies. These policies provide the framework for a safe, positive, and productive work environment, ensuring the integrity of your values and your mission.
Confidentiality and Information Security Policy
Substance Abuse Policy
Harassment Policy
Standard Operating Procedures (ie. vacation, business hours, dress code, expense policy, etc)
Final Thoughts
A strong foundation is critical for the health and development of every organization. As you move through your leadership journey, make it a priority to reflect on your foundations. Do you have a documented mission and vision? Does your team know what they are? Are your core values seen in decisions that you make? Have you clarified your priorities and expectations as a leader? Do you have policies in place to provide a productive work environment?
Struggling with your leadership role? Take our free leadership assessment to understand where you are and what steps to take next.
Most people don’t realize there are actual leadership tools available that work to develop influential leaders. CS Business Consulting gives you the roadmap, tools, and training to experience the power of influence and the reshaping of your culture. Building high performing teams is essential to becoming an influential leader.
