We always knew culture was important to a business’ success, but this pandemic has really shown us why. For this week’s Virtual Voices, a new series from the Leadership Foundation, we heard from small business owners who shared how they’re leading their teams with transparency and compassion and how we can support them and other small businesses in our community.
Virtual Voices aims to keep alums informed and engaged as our community works through this challenging time. Each virtual meeting brings together Leadership Foundation alums on the front lines of impacted industries to share their knowledge, perspectives and leadership lessons.
Our small business panel represented leaders from a variety of industries – all with a unique take on our culture and economy.
- Jessica Acosta, Founder and CEO of Environmental Consulting Services
- Iván Anaya, President of Astucia Development
- Jim Licko, Managing Partner and Co-Founder for GroundFloor Media/CenterTable
- Andrew Schmidt, Partner of Core Contractors, Roofing Systems
Check out our key takeaways and the video of the webinar below.
Your team comes first. As a leader you work to build a culture that prepares your team for anything including a crisis. And in a crisis, you show up for your people. Check on your team’s capacity and mental health. Set weekly check-ins that are not work-related, schedule one-on-ones and be open with your team on how you’re feeling during this time. If you’re willing to share your experiences, your team is more likely to share how they are feeling with you. We’re all going through this together and we need to be there for our team more than ever.
Innovation is your competitive advantage. Uncertainty is a common feeling for businesses of all sizes, but especially small businesses. It’s important to innovate and think outside the box when it comes to your business. Can you adjust your offerings during this time? Are there additional trainings or certifications your team can get? And, think about how you can change your approach to get the project to the finish line.
Stay transparent. Be transparent with your team and with your customers. Transparency allows you to set expectations and creates open communication. Keep your team engaged by letting your team know the realities of the day-to-day operations. It’s also OK to say, “I don’t know the answer, but we’ll work together to figure it out.”
Focus on what you know. When most things are uncertain, focus on what you know. By focusing on what you know, you can make decisions to move forward and allow your strategies to shift as you learn more. It also allows you to lean into your team’s strengths to take action and adapt for the future.
Lead with compassion and understanding. You and your team are experiencing a unique time where the normal “work” day isn’t what it used to be. Know how to support your team by understanding your team’s workload and work-life balance. It’s about listening to your team’s needs. Do they need a loan program to feel financially stable? Flexible hours to balance working remotely and parenting? Your compassion and understanding will help them feel supported during this uncertain time.
Support local business. Don’t let small businesses become invisible during this time. Order takeout from the restaurant up the street, check in on your salons or cleaners, and share how you are supporting those businesses on social media. Together, you and your fellow small business owners can learn from each other about managing during this time.
Join us for an upcoming Virtual Voices. Check out our upcoming programs.
