Helping Lancashire businesses: How to move from being a business owner to a team leader

Moving from being a business owner to a team leader requires a shift in mindset and a deliberate approach to leading and managing a team.

Behaviour consultant Godwin Anthony from Ascent Academy delivers comprehensive solutions for all aspects of the hiring process to team-building and ongoing coaching. Here he offers a number of steps to help you make this transition.

1. Define your role: Clarify your new role as a team leader and understand the responsibilities and expectations that come with it. Recognise that your focus will shift from managing every aspect of the business to leading and empowering your team to achieve collective goals.
2. Delegate and empower: Start by identifying tasks and responsibilities that can be delegated to your team members. Trust your team's abilities and empower them to take ownership of their work. Provide clear guidelines, communicate expectations, and provide the necessary resources and support.
3. Develop your leadership skills: Invest in developing your leadership skills. Read books, attend workshops, and seek mentorship from experienced leaders. Learn about effective communication, team-building, conflict resolution, and other essential leadership competencies.
4. Build a strong team: Surround yourself with talented individuals who complement your skills and strengths. Recruit, hire, and onboard team members who are aligned with your business values and possess the necessary skills. Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes collaboration and engagement. 
5. Communicate your vision: Clearly communicate your vision for the business to your team. Articulate the mission, goals, and values of the organisation. Ensure that every team member understands how their role contributes to the bigger picture and the shared objectives.
6. Provide guidance and support: As a team leader, your role is to provide guidance and support to your team members. Be accessible and approachable, offering assistance, advice, and resources when needed. Help your team members develop their skills, set goals, and create opportunities for their growth.
7. Encourage collaboration and innovation: Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within your team. Encourage open communication, idea sharing, and constructive feedback. Create platforms and spaces where team members can collaborate, brainstorm, and contribute to the growth and improvement of the business.
8. Set clear expectations: Define clear expectations for performance, goals, and deadlines. Communicate these expectations to your team and provide regular feedback to help them improve. Set achievable goals and milestones that align with the overall business objectives.
9. Lead by example: Be a role model for your team by demonstrating the behaviours and values you expect from them. Display professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Show a willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.
10. Foster a positive work environment: Create a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes trust, respect, and teamwork. Recognise and appreciate the contributions of your team members. Encourage work-life balance and prioritise employee well-being. Remember, transitioning from a business owner to a team leader takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and your team as you adjust to the new dynamics. Seek feedback from your team and continuously learn and improve your leadership skills. Embrace the opportunity to empower and develop your team members, and celebrate collective achievements as you work together towards business success.

See also: Helping Lancashire businesses: Choosing the right people to lead your business | Helping Lancashire businesses: Ten steps to building your team from the first employee

About the contributor Godwin Anthony is a behaviour consultant with a strong track record spanning two decades in the fields of recruitment and leadership development. His expertise lies in fostering high-performance cultures, cultivating winning teams, and providing top-notch coaching and mentoring.

Godwin’s mission is centred around empowering individuals and businesses to enhance retention and rediscover their passion for their initial goals. He achieves this by integrating coaching, training, and consulting while leveraging cutting-edge diagnostic tools like NLP, hypnotherapy, and DISC psychometric assessments, which are widely recognised and validated. 

Godwin received Boost support in 2022 to seek help for his own business to improve performance in a range of areas including marketing and finance.

Ascent Academy is a member of Boost & Co, which includes additional public and private sector organisations that can help businesses grow.

If you’re looking to grow, scale or start your business, use Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. We offer a range of funded business support services. Call our Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 to find out more or complete our enquiry form.