An important aspect of entrepreneurship is leadership. Regardless of an entrepreneur’s role as the driving force of a company, they eventually need to incorporate others to help grow and drive their vision.
Effective leadership is more than just providing motivation for employees to carry out the vision of the company; it also involves working on one’s own personal growth and soft skills.
Being a leader requires looking internally as well as outwardly for solutions. Brandon Frere, entrepreneur and CEO of Frere Enterprises and several successful companies, values the importance of consistently reevaluating and refining leadership skills in order to continue moving a venture forward on the path of success.
“One way I work on my leadership skills is through reading,” said Frere. “I’m particularly drawn to authors who inspire me to look within and pay attention to my mindset, like Eckhart Tolle.”
An important part of being an effective leader is the ability to know oneself. Knowing what is meaningful and purposeful will help direct the focus of energy within a business and make it more valuable to the industry and the community. Having not only a vision but also the ability to articulate it is important.
This vision will inspire employees and management to work together for a common goal and increase the commitment they feel toward it. An effective entrepreneurial leader is also very devoted to their employees; they encourage them to grow and continue to develop their skills for the betterment of themselves and the company.
Listening skills are also crucial to being an effective leader. Listening to mentors, management staff, employees and customers can make or break a business. Those who are at the front lines of operations can be key in determining what works and what doesn’t, as well as potential solutions. Having a mindset that embraces a constantly evolving company ensures success and keeps a company agile. Being flexible in one’s mindset allows them to be open to new opportunities that could greatly enhance the success of the business.
“It’s important as a leader to stay curious and be open to new ideas,” said Frere. “Never stop learning, never stop growing.”
Brandon Frere is an entrepreneur and businessman who lives in Sonoma County, California. www.BrandonFrere.com
