In business, leadership is not just a role or title; it reflects our habits, actions, and decisions. At a recent roundtable session, we explored the profound connection between leadership and business success, focusing on three fundamental principles: the Law of the Picture, the Law of Empowerment, and the Law of Navigation. These principles remind us that the future of our business is built upon the habits we form today.
The Law of the Picture: Leading by Example
The Law of the Picture states that “people will follow the leader’s behaviour, not just their advice.” In other words, leadership is visual. It’s not enough to tell your team what to do—you need to show them through your actions. This means consistently modelling the values, work ethic, and behaviours you want to see in your team.
A good leader leads by example, living out the standards and culture they expect from their team. As discussed in the session, it’s essential to first look in the mirror if your team is disorganised, not communicating effectively, or exhibiting poor attitudes. Your team is a reflection of your leadership.
One crucial takeaway was this: “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” If you expect punctuality, high-level communication, and organisation from your team, you must embody those qualities first. Whether we like it or not, leaders are constantly painting a picture for our team, which shapes the business’s culture.
The Law of Empowerment: Letting Go to Grow
Empowerment is about giving your team the resources, responsibility, and authority to thrive. But this requires a level of vulnerability. As the session highlighted, “Only secure leaders are willing to empower others because it requires them to give up control.”
Many business owners struggle with the idea of letting go. It’s easy to micromanage or hold back when uncertain about our team’s capabilities. However, withholding responsibility prevents our team from growing into their potential. The Law of Empowerment teaches us that to elevate our business truly, we must trust our team, give them the tools to succeed, and let them lead in their own right.
Empowering your team isn’t just about delegating tasks; it’s about providing the necessary support. Leaders must ensure their team members have the proper training, resources, and guidance. When we empower our team and allow them to take ownership, we create an environment where they can flourish, especially if they are high performers. As we learned, giving your team the responsibility, authority, and support they need will rise to the occasion.
The Law of Navigation: Charting the Course
The final principle we discussed was the Law of Navigation, which emphasises the importance of planning ahead and communicating the vision to your team. As a leader, your role is to map out the course for your business and guide your team through obstacles and challenges. With clear communication of your vision and direction, your team can stay energised and maintain sight of the bigger picture.
In the thick of daily operations, losing track of the long-term goals is easy. But as we discussed, “When leaders lose attachment to the bigger picture, work becomes dreary.” Your team wants to feel part of something greater than themselves. They want autonomy, opportunities for growth, and a sense of purpose in their work. By communicating the vision and showing them how their contributions align with the bigger goals, you can inspire them to push forward and achieve more.
Reflection and Action
As business leaders, we must continuously reflect on our habits and how they shape our team’s behaviour. Are we leading by example? Are we empowering our team to take responsibility and grow? Are we communicating a clear vision for the future?
The habits we develop as leaders directly impact our business’s success. By embracing the Law of the Picture, the Law of Empowerment, and the Law of Navigation, we can create a culture that fosters growth, engagement, and purpose.
So, show me your habits, and I’ll show you your future. The choices you make today will shape your business tomorrow.
Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
Your business reflects your leadership. Suppose you’re ready to improve your habits, empower your team, and navigate toward success. In that case, we invite you to book a free business evaluation session with one of our expert coaches. During this session, we’ll assess your current leadership strategies and provide actionable insights to help you unlock your business’s full potential.
