Ever wonder what really keeps a small business running smoothly? It’s not just about selling products or services—it’s about how you guide your team.
In this blog, we’ll break down the three crucial roles you’ll play in your business: leading, coaching, and mentoring.
Whether you’re steering the ship, tuning up your team’s skills, or passing on your wisdom, understanding these roles can turbocharge your business’s journey to success.
Leading: Captain of the Ship
Imagine you’re the captain of a ship. Leading is all about charting the course and steering the ship towards treasure—or in business terms, your big goals. It’s less about the nitty-gritty and more about the big picture:
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Vision
You’re the one with the map, showing your crew (team) the cool spots to explore.
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Decision-making
Sometimes you have to call the shots, like when to sail through a storm or take a sunny detour.
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Direction
You keep everyone sailing in the right direction, making sure all efforts are pushing towards those horizons.
Coaching: Personal Trainer for Skills
Switch gears to think of yourself as a personal trainer, but for professional skills instead of gym workouts. Coaching is super hands-on and all about helping each team member be their best:
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Skill development
Spotting strengths and coaching your team to level up exactly where it counts.
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Performance enhancement
Like tracking progress on lifting heavier or running faster, but here it’s about smashing job goals.
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Feedback
Regular check-ins to ensure no one’s straining a muscle or slacking off—it’s all about growth and getting stronger.
Mentoring: The Wise Guru
Now, picture yourself as that wise guru who’s seen it all. Mentoring is a deeper, more personal role where you guide someone on their career path, much like a seasoned guide leading a novice climber:
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Long-term development
You’re in it for the long haul, helping shape careers with an eye on the peak.
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Wisdom and advice
Sharing tales from your own climbs, the slips, the leaps, and the views.
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Support
Offering a steady hand and a listening ear, because sometimes the climb gets real tough.
Mix It Up!
In a small business, you’ll likely find yourself switching between these roles—sometimes you’re the captain, other times the trainer or the guru. Each has its place:
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Leaders set the goals
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Coaches build the skills
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Mentors nurture the journey
Mixing all three? That’s the secret sauce to not just running a business, but growing one where everyone feels like they’re part of something awesome.
Need a hand figuring out how to blend these roles or amp up your skills in one area?
Get in touch with one of our coaches and get one-on-one advice tailored just for small biz folks like you. Let’s get your business buzzing!
