Principles from transformational leadership can help you innovate in business even if you’re a solo-entrepreneur.
Innovators can find themselves easily distracted.
They succumb to shiny object syndrome, generate too many ideas, and feel overwhelmed with unrealized possibilities.
Because they love innovation they can be surrounded by unfinished projects and things they’re “going to do” but haven’t gotten around to. Their family members can start to wonder if they’ll ever do anything that matters.
Not only that, innovative business owners can be hard on themselves. They know what they’re capable of and get frustrated when they don’t work in ways that allow them to fully express their potential.
They have the skills, talents, and education, but their results don’t reflect all their hard work and certainly don’t express their ambition.
In earlier stages of business, many begin as solopreneurs. They don’t have leaders to hold them accountable or inspire them, which can make entrepreneurship difficult.
But there is a strategy that you can try.
It’s tied to the idea of transformational leadership which was first introduced by James MacGregor Burns in 1978 and then extend by Bernard M. Bass in 1985. Transformational leadership consists of four elements: Individualized consideration, Intellectual stimulation, Inspirational motivation, and Idealized influence.
Below I’ll give you a few suggestions for becoming your own transformational leader as I provide a short description of each element.
1) Individualized Consideration: This refers to the degree which a leader takes a followers needs into consideration. They act as a mentor or coach and provide empathy and support where needed.
If you’re a solopreneur consider your own needs. Know when it’s time to rest, take care of your health, and when it’s time to work and celebrate. Honour your emotions and your energy. You know yourself better than anyone else.
2) Intellectual Stimulation: This is where leaders challenge assumptions, encourage risk, and has followers think in new ways.
As a solopreneur push yourself to take risks. Get uncomfortable. Become aware of your own assumptions and use your creativity to do things in ways you wouldn’t normally do them.
3) Inspirational Motivation: This is where leaders share a vision that inspires followers. They set high standards for goals and optimistically encourage followers to meet these goals with a sense of meaning and purpose.
If you’re a solopreneur, write a vision and mission for your business and life. Set goals and pursue them at your highest level of commitment. This is your life and business so identifying your personal meaning and purpose should be easier than having someone else set these for you.
4) Idealized Influence: The leader is a role model for integrity and ethical behaviour. By keeping their words and behaviours aligned, leaders encourage trust and respect.
As a solo-entrepreneur, be of your word. Act as a role model for others. Instead of having others influence you to limit yourself, inspire them to become their highest selves by acting as a role model.
You can read more about transformational leadership by clicking here.
This is how you change and become the person who will scale your business beyond six-figures while helping others and making a contribution.
Some of you may lack clarity around your mission. You may be uncertain about your goals and you may struggle to stay inspired.
If that’s you, then hire a business coach or mentor.
Work with someone who can help you uncover the psychology that’s holding you back and strategize to achieve your goals at the highest level.
Unless you do the very deep work and have a background in psychology, or coaching, it can be very difficult to identify what’s getting in the way of your success.
As an innovative business owner I’m sure you’re familiar with getting distracted and having too many ideas.
If that’s you and you want to learn more CLICK HERE for a complimentary training.
