5 signs you need to sharpen your leadership skills

Entrepreneurs are visionaries. They see opportunity, design
solutions, and stretch their minds to reach breakthrough
innovations. But are they always great leaders?
It’s actually rare that one innately possesses both the abilities
of an entrepreneur and those of an outstanding leader. The
entrepreneur builds the vehicle; a leader builds the
superhighway on which it travels. The very rare
entrepreneurial leader changes our world. There is no better or
best; we need visionaries as well as people who masterfully
build a following and execute the vision.
Entrepreneurs who are not natural-born leaders can still
succeed, but they must learn to surround themselves with the
right people and build their leadership muscles. Too often, an
entrepreneur dances with failure because he or she doesn’t
think like a leader.
Here are a few of the telltale signs that you’re not a natural-
born leader. But don’t fret – there are many ways to improve
your leadership skills.

1. YOU STARTED YOUR BUSINESS BECAUSE YOU’D RATHER
NOT BE AROUND PEOPLE
Leaders attract and develop the troops to lead; entrepreneurs
often feel comfortable being alone in their mission. This works
(to some extent) for solopreneurs, but a successful
entrepreneur doesn’t go it alone. Many introverted
entrepreneurs do well in partnership with someone who enjoys
being in a public role. And remember, that unlike in a
corporate setting, you get to choose the people who are
associated with your business. It’s much easier to be around
people you admire and respect.

2. YOU MAKE WELL-INTENTIONED PROMISES AND STRUGGLE
TO FULFILL THEM.
Leaders keep their promises, not only out of a strong sense of
integrity, but because they have the people in place to carry
them out. Entrepreneurs are excited by opportunities and may
not always consider the time and effort it takes to follow
through on their promises. They don’t always have the
support they need in place. Make sure to pull back from these
situations long enough to consider your reality before making
any promises.

3. YOU DON’T TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.
Many entrepreneurs who are busy running their business fall
into the trap of putting themselves last. Leaders understand
that if they don’t eat well and exercise, they are not setting a
good example and won’t maintain the energy to lead. In the
long run, you’ll find more time and energy to devote to your
business if you stay healthy.

4. YOU NEGLECT QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Entrepreneurs with underdeveloped leadership abilities often
tend to jeopardise important relationships. This is partially due
to a lack of systems and support, but also to an inability to
live in the present moment. A strong leader not only values
personal relationships, but also places a strong emphasis on
developing relationships at all levels. She is fully engaged in
the presence of others.

5. YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR EMPLOYEES WANT.
I see entrepreneurs who are quite confused by their
employees’ lack of motivation. This is usually because the
entrepreneur doesn’t know how to inspire employees and
recognise their efforts in a meaningful manner.
Entrepreneurs are inspired; leaders inspire others. They are
able to put themselves in the shoes of another and recognise
what people want and need to feel inspired and motivated.
While financial rewards may resonate with some, words and
actions are more important to others.
Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to being a boss. Ask
employees what inspires and motivates them and customise
your recognition accordingly. Don’t worry about being
overwhelmed by too many sets of varying needs. There are
only a few likely categories: money, words of praise (figure
out if they need public or private praise), acts of kindness, and
gifts.

This article was first published on Inc.com .