Democratic in, autocratic out

Business is not a democracy. You need to make money to pay your debts, wages, rent, overheads and the shareholders.

Strong leadership is required. Decisions need to be made, priorities set, changes in direction given, and the hard calls when they are required such as to let people go.

You also need to keep an eye out for underperformers and those really not contributing as they should. As a manager your employees have a myriad of ways to hide lack of progress. You need to pick up on this quickly as if you don’t, or even worse you show favouritism to those people, morale will go down quickly and unnecessary politics will rise pretty quickly.

Involving people in decisions is a key way to keep them involved, feeling they can contribute and that they are listened to. This is the ‘democratic in’ process. You let people say what they mean, and if there is no retribution you are building a better culture and focus for the future.

When you have enough information to make the decision that is required then make it – be autocratic. Tell your people that you appreciated their input and that on balance the option you are going with appears to be the best for the company. That will help defuse some of the ill feelings.

As the company grows do your best to keep that kind of culture.

Also, whatever you do, delegate some decisions as it not only helps lighten your load but it helps your managers and staff take more responsibility too.