1). Choose your teams wisely

One of my best leadership secrets is to make sure you have a good team behind you.

I’ve got a number of loyal departments working for me, including logistics (my reindeer) and operations (the elves).

Your employees are the ones that ensure your succeed in your mission.

Therefore, it’s important to invest your time and energy in hiring the right people. Even I couldn’t build an empire all on my own.

If you are on the lookout for new talent, Higher Level Skills Match (HLSM) – part-funded by the European Social Fund – can provide student and graduate talent that can give your business fresh impetus, new skills and free support.

Thanks to Covid-19, your business may have changed considerably. If you haven’t yet adapted your leadership strategy for the ‘new normal’, now’s the time.

2). Be reliable all year round

Some of the best advice for small businesses I can give is that you need to be consistent.

Whether it be freezing temperatures, a global pandemic or economic instability, I always deliver.

Can you say the same about your business? Your clients have high expectations and if they are let down they may go to one of your competitors.

If you’ve had any problems this year, maybe it’s time to get some help to ensure you can have a more successful 2022.

BCU Advantage conducts free business analysis for small and medium-sized businesses. It’ll help you to understand your challenges as well as look at possible opportunities for growth.

3). Don’t be afraid to surprise

I maintain a positive image among my customers, but it’s not just from consistent customer service.

I’m also not afraid to surprise my customer base with gifts that they were not expecting. A great leadership secret is to innovate, create new concepts and find that extra something to add to your product offering.

Look to build an exciting marketing strategy that will help you shape your future.

If you do want to carve a niche for your business, STEAMhouse has a thriving creative community where you can prototype new ideas and hear from leading experts.

4). Reward good behaviour and customer loyalty

I have an effective strategy for my business – the naughty and nice lists. It tells me which of my customers should receive an expensive necklace and who gets a lump of coal.

Now, I’m not saying you should punish any clients that you feel haven’t been loyal enough.

However, you could certainly create a strategy to reward customers that have been purchasing from you on a regular basis.

Maybe a client has recommended you or given you an excellent online review. Maybe they’ve been buying large quantities from you of late. If so, consider rewarding them for their loyalty.

The same goes for your employees. Confront any performance problems early. Give frequent, specific pieces of feedback. Help them learn from their mistakes.

5). Set goals and listen to your elves

Employee retention hasn’t been great of late. The last thing you want to do is lose talented staff.

My fifth and final leadership secret is to listen to your team. Hear their suggestions, discover any challenges they are facing and try to implement positive change.

Also, create a list and check it twice. Create goals that are specific, but flexible, and ensure your staff commit to helping you achieve them.

However, don’t be afraid to adapt them if needed. Here’s to a successful 2022 for you and your business. Now, I’m afraid my busiest shift is about to start…

Looking to boost your business for 2022 and expand your horizons? See how HLSM can make a difference.