What Not to Do When You Want to Do Well

In the previous article, I talked about how leaders are different from managers.  Leaders intentionally create problems to drive innovation and accelerate revenue growth.  Managers solve problems.  This time I will give 5 tips on strategies that can give you unwanted problems.

The don’ts

1. Don’t micro manage. Unless you want to take away the confidence of your people, show them that you don’t trust them and increase resentment, don’t micro manage.     

2. Don’t give them answers.  Instead of giving your people answers according to your beliefs, let them work it out.  You can ask questions to help them figure it out on their own. That way, they learn more.  And more importantly, they become better at problem solving.  If you don’t do this, your people will depend on you to figure out solutions on a daily basis.  (This takes patience and can be counterintuitive for brilliant leaders.) 

3. Don’t ignore market trends.  If you see changes on the horizon, don’t ignore them.  Or your customers may be exploring them with someone else.

4. If you are using an acquisition strategy, don’t rely solely on the acquisitions for growth.  You must continue to secure new clients. 

5. Don’t expect all of your employees to think like you. Many times the identity of the enterprise is the same as leadership’s.  When there is no diversity of thought, you can miss opportunities or develop huge blind spots. 

In a global marketplace where change is the competitive edge, these 5 tips support fashion and apparel companies that are plagued by constant changes. 

Even though the changes that occur in the fashion industry are unique, the role of the president or CEO is to create the future.  Once staff and management are clear about the direction of the company, it is easier for the CEO to coach, direct and guide.  Oftentimes, this requires the skill of constantly managing change, which sometimes resembles the captain of a ship navigating through a storm.  Organizations that are most comfortable managing the discomfort of change are better positioned to execute and lead the marketplace.   

To stay ahead and away from unwanted problems, get clear about what your organization will accomplish and watch the pitfalls of the don’ts.  If you find yourself doing the don’ts, you will also find yourself mired in the day-to-day operations and putting out fires.  By avoiding the don’ts, you can empower your people and give them the skills to make tough decisions without you, while increasing revenues and customer satisfaction.