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Every tanning business, and any other business for that matter, has a boss. But not every business has a leader. While every boss manages employees and makes decisions, a true leader is someone who steers his or her business like a pilot does a plane. They have a map, know the destination and checkpoints along the way, and are able to anticipate obstacles and navigate around them to reach the intended location as efficiently as possible. Real leaders are also defined by relationships. They don't direct and control – they coach. Everyone knows who's in charge, but employees are made to feel like partners in the business. Leaders invest in their employees, and develop mutually beneficial working relationships that keep everyone happy and engaged. And leaders know how to turn those relationships into a work culture that goes beyond individual relationships and perpetuates itself even as employees move on and are replaced by new ones. Examine, in detail, these concepts that separate a boss from a true business leader. STRATEGIC THINKING AND DECISION MAKING Every move, every decision is part of a bigger plan. If you don't have a concrete strategy with specific, measurable goals for where your business is headed, you're more of an instructor than a leader. How can you lead when you don't even know where you are going? When you're confronted with a decision, stop and think about how the options fit into the grand scheme, and choose accordingly. The option that seems right at surface level might not make so much sense in the bigger picture. Some small businesses are intimidated by the word strategy, thinking it's some complicated concept that only big companies use. But there's nothing wrong with simplicity. Just treat it like a road map – decide where you want to end up, then find the best way to get there. TEAM BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT A boss pays his or her employees minimum wage, and doesn't worry about training and developing them beyond what's absolutely necessary. A leader recognizes the value of investing in their employees and creating a culture based on their mutually beneficial relationships. If you treat employees like the vital components of your business that they are, and invest in training that develops essential skills that will help them throughout their professionals lives, you'll not only get the benefit of those new skills, but you will also be repaid in respect, loyalty, and engagement. Of course there's always going to be some employee turnover, but once your business is established as a great place to work in your community, finding quality personnel becomes easier and the transition is smooth as they pick up the culture and attitude from the other workers. COMMUNICATION AND MOTIVATION Since employees are to be treated like partners in the business, communication and direction should reflect that type of relationship. Rather than just telling them what to do, do it in a way that helps them figure out the answer on their own. Help them gain the confidence to become more independent, and don't hesitate to include everyone in strategic discussions. It may not seem necessary to include your bed cleaners in a meeting about marketing or new service options, but when they feel like they're really involved in the direction of the business, they'll begin to take ownership and act accordingly. If you treat them like children, they're probably going to act like children. You won't see an employee who feels like a vital part of a business giving out unauthorized discounts, cutting corners, or being lazy about sales. And when you develop these close working relationships, you'll get to know each employee, their personalities, and how to best motivate each individual. Every leader is different, and every business requires different management strategy, techniques, and nuances, but these concepts will help make any boss a successful leader. When you work on yourself first, and put forth the effort it takes to be a true leader, your business will thrive. 87 ❘ SMART TAN CANADA ❘ SmartTan.com SMART MANAGEMENT DON'T BE A BOSS. BE A LEADER. By Curt Holloway smart management_april.indd 87 3/13/14 8:09 PM