Leadership for Small Home Service Business Employees

Even the most autonomous employee needs inspiration.

As a home service business grows, a business owner may need additional employees to meet the expanding workload and new customers. Juggling the responsibilities of the business and managing employees represents exciting growth, but it isn’t without challenges. Fortunately, giving employees responsibilities can offset the weight of employee management.

Skilled leadership is one of the most essential qualities for the successful long-term integration of an employee into the home service business team. Here are some facets that will allow the business owner to be a strong leader while promoting employee autonomy.

Positive communication

The home service business owner is often the communication hub of a growing business. While not every business detail needs to be passed on to employees, keeping them informed about the workload and general operations will create confidence in management and the company. Employees should also be encouraged to communicate their needs and observations. In addition, when an employee is performing effectively, the wise business owner will take the time to encourage the employee and express positive appreciation for well-performed work.

Mistakes as a learning tool

Even the best employee will make mistakes. While no one cares to deal with errors, an effective employer will allow employees to make mistakes and use them as a teaching tool to circumvent future blunders. The ability of a worker to fail and correct the mistake without emotional fallout will make both employees and the home service business owner stronger navigators of future potential problems. Employees will also feel more confident bringing their goof-ups to the employer’s attention rather than hiding them if they know the boss views errors as learning tools for future success.

Creating policy

When an employee is assigned work, provided they have the proper training and skills, there should be little involvement from the home service business owner. One exception to this rule is when the job elements go beyond procedure and require the creation or implementation of a policy. A surprising number of situations arise where a boss must decide the direction the company will take by creating a policy resulting from a situation that points out the need for one. The policy becomes a handy tool for employees, who can use it to make decisions without unintended consequences.

Offer assistance with problems

While policies and procedures can make things tick along during regular operations, sometimes employees encounter a situation beyond their skills or knowledge. A resourceful employee may find the solution themselves. However, the home service business owner can and should step in if an acceptable solution doesn’t exist. Tandem problem-solving also reinforces team bonds and offers a learning experience for those involved.

To be a team leader

Even the most autonomous employee needs inspiration. Good leadership includes being a team role model, creating goals, celebrating successes, and inspiring employees to strive for professional and personal development within the organization. As the inevitable struggles arise from being a small home service business, the team will rise to the challenges under a strong team leader.

While a home service business can function with an autocratic leader, it will thrive with one who values its employees, providing an environment where communication and learning are highly encouraged. Growing a business includes the power of growing pains and learning curves by the business owner and employees, who are nurtured within adversity into the best version of themselves.