smallbusiness

Your business should be growing. Your team should be moving forward. But something is slowing things down. What if that something is you? How Leaders Become the Bottleneck A bottleneck happens when everything must pass through a single point before moving forward. In business, that point is often the leader. It happens when: Decisions stall […]

Leadership isn’t just about the big decisions. It’s the small, daily choices that shape your business in powerful ways. A quick “thank you.” A well-timed critique. A decision to listen instead of dismiss. These may seem insignificant, but they create ripples that impact your company’s culture, productivity, and bottom line. The Power of Small Leadership

Ever felt frustrated when a team member didn’t deliver what you expected? You thought they understood, but somehow, the result missed the mark. Here’s the truth: expectations that aren’t communicated don’t exist. The Cost of Unspoken Expectations One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is assuming their team automatically knows what they want. You may

Spring is all about growth—but are you allowing your team to grow, or are you unintentionally stifling them? Many leaders micromanage without realizing it, driven by a need for control, perfection, or efficiency. While it may seem helpful, micromanaging actually weakens your team’s ability to thrive. Signs You May Be Micromanaging Ask yourself: Do your

Leadership habits—both good and bad—accumulate over time. Minor missteps can become major leadership challenges if left unchecked. Just like a garden, your leadership needs regular tending to remove what’s not working and cultivate growth. Are Bad Habits Creeping In? Consider these questions: Have you been skipping one-on-one meetings with your team? Are you making too

Have you ever noticed a shift in your team’s energy after a stressful moment? Maybe engagement dips, people hesitate to share ideas, or collaboration suffers—and you’re left wondering why. The Impact of Unchecked Emotional Reactions Small emotional outbursts—a sharp comment, a visible sigh, a frustrated tone—can linger far longer than you think. Even if you

Have you ever committed to something in the heat of the moment, only to realize later it wasn’t the best decision? When leaders operate under constant pressure, decision fatigue sets in, and choices become reactive rather than strategic. The Hidden Cost of Rushed Decisions Many leaders equate quick decision-making with strong leadership. However, making decisions

As a leader, your mindset and attitude don’t just affect you—they ripple through your entire team. Whether you realize it or not, your team mirrors your outlook. If negativity, insecurity, or pride sneaks into your leadership, it can seep into the culture of your organization. Conversely, a healthy, growth-oriented mindset can inspire your team to

Winter brings a natural slowdown—shorter days, quieter rhythms, and a chance to reflect. For many leaders, however, this season is often overlooked as an opportunity to evaluate and intentionally shape workplace culture. While spring is synonymous with growth, winter is the perfect time to assess the “climate” of your organization and make strategic adjustments to

Leadership is rewarding, but it’s no secret that it comes with high demands. For small business owners and leaders, the weight of responsibility often leads to burnout—a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can leave you feeling disconnected from your purpose and your team. The good news? Burnout doesn’t have to be the