What makes a great leader is a question that all CEO’s must ask themselves when gaining trust, cooperation and the buy in of their employees. There are times when being a good leader means that you must make unpopular decisions, take deliberate action and lose possible deals or business to do what is right and lends to good conscience. Jim Collins once said, “Leadership only exists when people have the freedom not to follow.”

To be able to lead in a way that others want to follow can be taken in the lessons of running a non profit organization. I think that is because non profits are about the feminine and masculine balance, in that the social (feminine) aspects are looked at as well as the order (masculine) in running it successfully. Let’s look at my favourite charity model of micro-loans for example, the leadership strength of that form of non profit, is that there is a quiet leadership where all of the nuances and conditions to make that type of large scale condition happen is because it is all carefully crafted.

From the original application of the client, the process of acquiring the funds to give out to the client, the tracking of the client, the funds, which bank it comes from, how to maintain the relationship with the client and community, ensuring the loan is repaid, tracking the payments, tracking the donations, supporting the client and community after the loan is repaid…. All takes the work of an artistic crafter at work. Taking pride in what you do, understanding the tasks at hand, recognizing the details, and having the ability to manage all the tasks is like using a painter’s brush.

Moving forward through adversity and looking at change as opportunity can be a helpful and successful way to lead as well. People who have solid relationships, operate with integrity and are authentic are the leaders that others follow. You need to understand yourself, and what you truly want in order to become a good leader. Managing yourself and what you do with your time will inevitably lead to your success or failure. When you are leading ensure that you are fitting the needs of the business and honoring yourself in the process. It is all about inspiring faith in your company, employees, and customers, and having wisdom to make the right choices.  Understanding the cause and effective of each decision, and having the wisdom to make the appropriate choice that will honor yourself and the company while keeping balanced.

Always learning, motivating, and working on yourself helps create a good leader. I love to use personal affirmations as well in the morning and remind myself of my goals for the day. When the mind is clear, creativity comes into play, and it allows you to be the best you can be. Being the best at whatever you do and nurturing yourself will help you become a person that others want to follow.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author,  Speaker, and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder.  Darcelle coaches entrepreneurs and business owners on understanding their brilliance and how to increase their profits for their companies by taking strategic steps to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through speaking engagements, tele-classes, online products, and Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com or  www.strategicbizbuilder.com or www.FengSHe.org

1. Watch the market and spot opportunities. Just be aware of what is going on, not tied to the T.V. Recessions can mean business closings however it also means those with experience and knowledge can build a strong company . People will continue to spend they are just more cautious so knowing your market and do not reduce your prices but ensure you are giving quality for what your clients are paying for and be innovative.

2. Think creatively. You must have your thinking cap on overdrive. Brainstorm with a partner or mentor like crazy! Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” People will stay home more, spend differently so tapping into that with products or services that assist people to do just that will assist the customer. Come up with solutions to detract from the negatives as everyone still loves to be pampered. An example could be, offering home delivery of products or services.

3. Diversify. Think proactively and about abundance not scarcity. Do not cut quality or costs. Competition may fold, however you have an opportunity to fill the gap, step in and be seen and assist your target market.

4.  Take Action. Taking action is key, and being quick and adaptable to change. Launch new products and innovative ideas. You will then be in a strong position when the market turns. Now do not go out and spend extra money to achieve these goals. Think rationally but do take action.

5. Get good value for your money. Look for free or cheap publicity to market your business, be creative on money saving strategies as well for your business. Feel good about your business.

6. Expand & Start new ventures. Recruit the best, expand your business, with grants or government funding. Expanding a business is a wonderful idea, but a really great way to expand without spending excessively is to instead buy client lists. Some competitors are willing to sell, however buying a client list for a competitor is possible.

Think ahead, be smart but take action toward fulfilling your goals and keep a close eye on overheads, staff, and sales. Remember customers needs are still there, and learning how to tap into them can bring golden opportunities.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author,  Speaker, and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder.  Darcelle coaches entrepreneurs and business owners on understanding their brilliance and how to increase their profits for their companies by taking strategic steps to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through speaking engagements, tele-classes, online products, and Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com or  www.strategicbizbuilder.com .