Building a business is a thrilling journey filled with excitement and challenges. However, as our companies scale, the dynamics shift from hands-on involvement to leading and managing teams effectively. This transition was particularly tough for me, as I had never been a manager and found myself in uncharted territory when it came to leadership.
When the Little Fish Accounting team started growing, I struggled to delegate. I thought no one could do it as well as I could. This mindset led to inefficiencies and burnout. After some time (and a few staffing changes), I learned to stay involved without getting too deep into the weeds. This shift was essential in allowing me to focus on the bigger picture and drive the company forward.
Adjusting My Leadership Style
As your team grows, moving from hands-on management to focusing on strategic vision becomes crucial. I started by delegating tasks and fostering a culture of trust so everyone felt empowered to take on their roles.
Regularly communicating your vision is key to keeping your team aligned and motivated. Make sure your team understands the company’s goals and how their contributions fit into the larger picture. This approach not only empowers your team but also frees you up to concentrate on long-term strategies.
Balancing Vision and Operations
Balancing visionary goals with daily operations is a delicate act. It’s important to prioritize strategic tasks and delegate operational responsibilities to capable team members.
Leveraging technology can streamline processes and enhance efficiency. For instance, project management tools and automation software can significantly reduce the time spent on routine tasks.
Encouraging your team to find innovative ways to get the job done also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.
Investing in Personal Development
Effective leadership growth begins with personal development and self-awareness. It’s challenging to improve in isolation, so invest in your growth by seeking leadership resources and community. Continuous personal development is key to effective leadership, and necessary as the business scales and shifts.
I built a network of industry peers through online communities and conferences, and started a book club with the leadership team to read our way to better management. Definitely seek mentorship, attend workshops, and be open to learning from others’ experiences in order to grow personally and professionally.
Leading Through Transition
Transition periods can create growing pains, including communication breakdowns and shifts in team dynamics. It’s important that we maintain open and transparent communication channels to address concerns and make sure the team is aligned with organizational goals.
I led by example by being transparent about the shifts, and by fostering a supportive workplace culture that valued my team’s voices. We encouraged innovation and continuous improvement, and celebrated successes, but we also learned from setbacks and adjusted along the way.
I won’t lie - transitioning into a leadership role is tough. But doing so is crucial for sustainable success, which we all want for our agencies and firms.. As we embrace growth and focus on our long-term vision, we are better prepared to lead our firm through inevitable changes.
👋🏾 I’m Keila, a passionate advocate for growing businesses intentionally and achieving big results with small teams.
Feeling overwhelmed by the constant push for more? Join me on my podcast, Build To Enough, where we dive into creating sustainable, purpose-driven businesses that align with your lifestyle and values. Together, we can redefine success and find fulfillment beyond rapid expansion.
🎙 podcast | www.littlefishaccounting.com/podcast
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