In the introduction to our Growth Formula series, we unveiled the Growth Formula, explaining what it is, why it’s powerful and introducing the 4 elements of the formula. In this, part 1 of the series, we dive into the element “You, the Leader”..
The journey towards mastery of business starts with leadership. This is why we put it as the centre of the Growth Formula. The success of your business depends on your effectiveness as a leader: your ability to guide, inspire, and grow your team directly influences the impact and growth of your business. While hard work and skill are important, they alone won’t enable you to amplify your efforts through others. Without strong leadership, you risk hitting what John Maxwell calls the "Law of the Lid" – the point where your leadership limits your overall effectiveness.
Developing your leadership is a journey. You, the Leader empowers you to take intentional steps to grow into a more confident, inspiring, and effective leader.
In this article we highlight 6 aspects of leadership you should be conscious of developing, the benefits to you and your business of working on these aspects, and examples of CEO’s who have worked hard on their leadership, through executive business coaching, and reaped the rewards.
Here's what the journey entails:
Personal Mastery
Define a clear purpose and vision for your life that align with your evolving values and priorities. Regularly work on improving your ability to manage emotions and sustain your energy across all dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Use tools like the Leadership Circle Profile to evaluate your progress, identify areas for growth, and take intentional steps to become a stronger, more intentional leader.
Gordon Johnstone, Managing Director of TEAM Clothing, learned the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional leadership. Initially struggling with burnout and overcommitment, Gordon worked with a strategic Grow coach to delegate responsibilities and build a management team. By focusing on work-life balance and clear goal-setting, he transitioned to a more strategy-led leadership role. His newfound balance allowed him to lead more effectively and enjoy work while fostering trust and autonomy in his team.
Courage and Confidence
Develop the habit of having honest, constructive conversations with your team, even when they’re challenging. Address tough issues directly while fostering trust and mutual respect. Step into difficult exchanges with intention, recognizing each as an opportunity to strengthen your confidence and build deeper, more authentic relationships. Over time, this approach not only enhances your leadership, but also creates a culture of open, productive communication within your team.
Sandy Wardle, owner of SWM Communications, realized that she was the bottleneck in her business operations. Through business coaching, she gained the confidence to step back from day-to-day tasks and focus on strategic leadership. She hired technical writers, designers, and admin staff to delegate effectively, which not only allowed her to work on her business rather than in it but also helped her team grow. Sandy’s willingness to embrace feedback and implement changes enabled her company to expand significantly, transforming it into a scalable operation.
Inspiring Others
Consistently align your team with your vision in ways that energize and motivate them. Inspire not by relying on authority but by fostering a shared sense of purpose that everyone can rally behind. Reflect regularly on how you communicate your goals, and adapt your approach to keep your team engaged, aligned, and excited about the future. When you inspire others, you empower them to contribute their best, transforming not just their work but the entire culture of your organization.
Trust and Letting Go
Build trust within your team by delegating responsibilities and giving them the opportunity to take ownership and thrive. Regularly assess where you can step back, allowing others to step up and shine. By letting go of control and empowering capable team members, you not only free yourself to focus on strategic priorities but also create a stronger, more confident team. Trusting others is a powerful act of leadership – it fosters growth, builds confidence, and lays the foundation for lasting success.
Precise Thinking
Tackle complex challenges with clarity and focus. Break down problems into manageable parts and approach them methodically. Consistently refine your ability to make thoughtful, informed decisions, avoiding knee-jerk or emotional reactions. Treat every challenge as an opportunity to sharpen your strategic thinking and improve outcomes. With precise thinking, you can navigate uncertainty with confidence and create better results for your business.
Creative Thinking
Adopt a leadership style that is proactive, innovative, and transformative. Creative leadership is about generating new possibilities, fostering collaboration, and driving value. Continuously strive to balance your focus between tasks and people, ensuring neither is neglected. Reflect on your habits, identify behaviours that may limit your effectiveness, and commit to developing leadership practices that build trust, inspire creativity, and achieve results. By embracing creative leadership, you’ll cultivate a culture of innovation and sustained growth.
Collen Gibbs, the sole director of VIVA Engineering, transformed his leadership approach after realizing he was the bottleneck in his growing company. With the help of executive business coaching, he restructured the management team to take on more accountability and leadership, freeing him to focus on strategy. This included defining a long-term vision, communicating it across the organization, and fostering a culture of accountability. These efforts made the company more inclusive, efficient, and ready for sustainable growth.
As you read these characteristics and behaviours of leadership, along with the stories of clients we’ve worked with, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and challenge. Leadership growth is a journey – one that offers endless opportunities for self-discovery and improvement. Embrace the process, knowing that each step forward strengthens your ability to lead effectively and inspire others.
Our experience with developing oneself as a leader through strategic coaching is that the journey is tough. In many cases, you don’t know what you don’t know. Then, when you discover what you don’t know, it’s hard to figure out what to do to make the changes, and the journey to change is tough.
If it feels like it might be the same for you, reach out to us and let’s have a chat about how we can help you on your personal leadership development journey with our tailored business coaching programmes.
