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Writer's pictureEO Boston Board

Why Leadership Development Must Be the Top Priority for Entrepreneurs at All Stages


Entrepeneurs

We live in a world where new inventions emerge every other day, and there is a constant need to remain relevant. 80% of the respondents in a Deloitte study agreed that modern-day leadership has unique requirements to attain success.


Thus, as an entrepreneur, you should not invest in your business development alone; investing in leadership development is just as important. With this guide, you will gain proper insight into attaining business leadership development.


In entrepreneurship, leadership goes beyond occupying a position or starting a business. It is more concerned with the ability to influence a team and attain growth as a unit.


Recent studies have shown that leadership development is essential in every business setting. In a typical organization, there are different individuals with divergent views and ideologies, not to mention age differences and varying beliefs. This can create room for conflicts and chaos if not properly managed. An entrepreneur who pays attention to leadership development will be skilled in bridging these gaps while maintaining employee productivity.


Leadership Development at the Early Stages

In the early stages of a business, you are likely to neglect leadership development. You may even ask, “Why is leadership development important in entrepreneurship?” First off, honing your leadership skills will help you identify and retain the talent you’ll need to drive success to your business. Leadership development is also an excellent means for executing your business strategies. At this early stage, you must properly identify your team's strengths and allocate time to mentorship and networking.


Leadership Development at the Growth Stage

As you begin to grow, your business will start to expand. You may even have to employ new staff and purchase new properties. It's normal for you to encounter numerous changes at this stage to accommodate your new level.


However, there's a tendency to get carried away with all the new things happening around you. You should be able to start delegating tasks to lighten your load and remain effective. By employing delegation and diversity, you will also start to see things from new perspectives. Your emotional intelligence must remain top-notch so you can always stay grounded.


Leadership Development as an Established Business

When your business becomes a household name, you need to work hard to stay at the top of your game. As a leader at this level, you should work towards strengthening the relationships and partnerships you have built. This is not the time to relent in your quest for knowledge; you should pay even more attention to learning at this stage. Any attempt to disregard business leadership development when you become established may adversely affect your business (and your personal reputation).


How to Engage in Leadership Development in Your Business

Leadership development is not some farfetched and unattainable concept. If you are curious about how to attain leadership development in your business, you can try out any of the following:


  1. Continuous Learning: Discoveries spring up all the time, and as an entrepreneur, you need the knowledge to stay relevant. Read books, listen to podcasts, and attend training sessions; ensure you acquire new knowledge regularly.

  2. Practice Self-Evaluation: As you make efforts to learn, also take time to consider your actions and decisions. Try to see if your actions align with your company's values. By doing so, you can keep your actions in check.

  3. Join a Network of Like-Minded Individuals: There's nothing like getting the support of a community that understands what you are involved in. Such a community will guide you while connecting you to relevant opportunities. EO Boston is there to offer you much-needed support through meaningful networking, one-of-a-kind events, and more.

  4. Delegate Authority: If you try to do everything by yourself, you will burn out in no time. Share some tasks among your team members and evaluate their performance. If you feel they are not well equipped to handle such tasks, you can guide them. That way, you will also be strengthening your team.

  5. Lead by Example: If you want to see anything in your team, you should do it first. Don't just demand efficiency and dedication from your team; show them what it means to be dedicated and efficient.


Leadership development has catalyzed the advancement of many businesses today. It opens you up to a world of endless possibilities and opportunities. Any organization prioritizing leadership development will experience:

  • Increased innovation and creativity

  • Greater employee engagement

  • Effective decision-making and leadership qualities

  • Rapid growth

  • Exposure to relevant knowledge and trends

  • Solidified partnerships and relationships


Indeed, the importance of leadership development cannot be overemphasized. While it’s good to ask questions like, “Why do I need this, and why is leadership development a priority?” it’s better to take decisive steps and work with like-minded individuals to ensure your continued growth and productivity. See if you’re eligible to join EO Boston today!

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