by Asa Beavers
Good leaders, some experts say, are creative rather than reactive. In other words, they anticipate future demands and trends and transform their business to better fit our rapidly changing world. Are you a creative or reactive leader? Test yourself.
Creative business leaders are always asking themselves the following questions.
- What do potential customers really need now?
- What worries them and causes them pain?
- What would they be eager to buy?
- How can I make our current customers happier?
- How can we make the products we sell better, more useful, more valuable?
Do you ask yourself these questions regularly and come up with great answers - answers that can advance your business?
Are you:
- Internally driven
- Focused on the work, not the politics
- Goal-oriented, rather than crisis-centered
- A good relationship builder
Do you:
- Make full use of your strongest talents
- Set aggressive long-term goals
These are all characteristics of creative leaders.
Reactive leaders:
- Are motivated by external factors like money and power
- Are focused on corporate politics, not the work
- Allow their time to be dictated by what's in their inbox
- Sometimes ignore their strongest talents in favor of 'good management'
- Believe nothing is sacred and relationships are expendable
How would you grade yourself? Are you a creative leader ready to grow or are you a reactive leader stuck in a stagnant business?
About the Author
Asa Beavers is a small business coach and consultant. He shares tips, techniques and strategies with smalll business owners to boost clarity and focus, create strategic action plans, and increase sales and profits. Visit his website at www.redlinebsg.com, email Asa at asa@redlinebsg.com, or call 919-367-0790.