Guide to Managing Yourself

Find a CEO coach

Believe it or not, there are actually “coaches” out there who can help you hone your skills as a CEO. These experienced business consultants can help you by offering objective insights as to your own strengths and weaknesses, and helping you to develop additional skills along the way.

I recommend: When it comes to business expertise, you can’t go wrong with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). Finding a mentor is as easy as typing a few words – they will match you up with people whose experience matches your needs.

Practice effective delegation

It’s difficult to turn your daily tasks over to your employees, but if there is one quality common to all great leaders, it is the ability to delegate effectively. You can’t focus on long-term growth if you spend all your time waiting on diners in your restaurant, or filing documents. Delegate wisely, giving employees the chance to develop their own skills, which can help your company in the long run. Don’t micromanage or delegate sensitive projects – two mistakes frequently made by new delegators.

I recommend: At MindTools, learn to delegate and otherwise lead your employees through their “How to Lead: Discover the Leader Within You” leadership system. It’s just $67, and includes many great freebies. Check out Module 7 of this course for delegation lessons. Also check out Mind Tools’ great, FREE Delegation Template. (Template Instructions are under the “Prepare to Delegate Effectively” heading.)

Stay energized

It’s common that busy entrepreneurs try to do so much that they’re quickly overwhelmed and under-prepared. To stay enthusiastic when leading your “troops” to victory, find local or online sources of inspiration – whether through a meeting of the minds with other small biz owners, or just reading others’ success stories. You’ll be surprised at how re-energized you’ll feel after taking the time to renew yourself!

I recommend: Ivy Sea calls itself an “oasis of inspiration, guidance, and resources for the visionary entrepreneurs and leaders,” among others, and this is exactly what it is. This award-winning Web site has been named one of the best public-service sites for small businesses, and it’s easy to see why. Become a basic VIP member (for individuals) for $175 annually (or a lower rate, offered occasionally) and you get access to Ivy Sea's VIP-only library of more than 165 html and 35 PDF articles, tip sheets, dialogue-starters and vision-catalyzers; monthly PDF dialogue-starter bundles; three PDF Skill-Building Bundles; and their newest offering, the VIP Audio Booster series (beginning with Audio Boosters on Leadership and Mindset), plus much more!

Be a true leader

Today’s successful leaders are not that of the Ebenezer Scrooge variety, who “manage” by fear. Instead, through leading by example – showing employees respect and really listening to them – you’ll encourage their respect and hard work, and you’ll take a load of pressure off yourself. Crankiness doesn’t help anyone – whether it’s the leader or those being led.

I recommend: The Center for Creative Leadership offers numerous leadership programs, coaching, books, and so much more. Some of the resources cost money, and some do not. (If you join with a Premium membership, it’s $150 annually or $350 for a “lifetime” membership. Membership gets you lots of discounts, but assess the site for yourself before you decide if joining is worth the money.) Check out their Leading Effectively Live Webinars, which cost $50 per Webinar (for each viewing site), regardless of how many people are watching at that site – then invite your key management people to learn alongside you. For a thorough list of Individual Leader Development books, or Managing Yourself books, click on any of the links in these section.