By: Chelsea Robinson
What is the most essential role for a business? There are many titles – general manager, president, executive – but they all share one key responsibility: leadership. So, how does a Founder, someone who starts a business and plans out its initial and future goals, transition into a leader?
A significant portion of new leaders may initially feel unprepared for the role they are assigned. This can sometimes create friction, leading to challenges in leadership, even with the best of intentions. These difficulties can result in issues for clients and employees, which may affect the business overall. Even if the current owner is able to sell the business before it experiences significant setbacks, the new owners might struggle with leading a business they had no part in building. This can lead to a series of challenges, including a lack of effective leadership, which may, in some cases, affect the long-term viability of the business. This situation can be difficult for the founder, owners, employees, clients, and the wider community.
Ryan Kauth, a professional business coach, understands the intricacies of what it takes to develop leaders. His work focuses on helping business owners grow into the leaders their business needs so they are better prepared to manage the responsibilities they take on. Recognizing the qualities a leader must have is one thing. Applying these qualities effectively for the benefit of the company is another.
Ryan has experience coaching first-time business owners, former CEOs starting new ventures, and family business owners transitioning leadership. He tailors solutions to address the specific challenges of each client, as each business faces unique issues that require a personalized approach.
The main area Ryan focuses on is personal growth, often referred to as entrepreneurial leadership. As a business grows, not all owners are able to keep up with their personal development in parallel. A small business that is still finding its footing may only need the owner to manage daily operations. However, as the business expands, it will require more structured management, and the owner must shift into a different kind of leadership role. As the business scales, it demands greater attention to cultural alignment. A leader is responsible for making executive decisions that provide the stability and confidence employees need to thrive.
If an owner fails to adapt as their business evolves, they may approach their executive duties as though they are the only person capable of managing the business correctly. They may not possess the skills necessary to meet the new demands that come with business growth, which requires a different skill set.
Ryan listens and asks the difficult questions that owners may not have considered, the questions they might hesitate to answer. Instead of just asking how to grow, he may inquire whether growth is the right course of action at that moment. Some owners can become so focused on increasing revenue that they overlook other aspects of the business that also require attention. Understanding when to start growing, when to pause, or when to focus on scaling is an important skill for any business leader. The skills needed to make thoughtful growth decisions vary from owner to owner, which is why having a coach who knows their client on a personal level can be extremely valuable.
Hiring personnel for cultural fit, introducing new technologies and processes at the right time, and managing finances during slower growth periods are just a few of the many decisions leaders must navigate in a growing business. A leader is often required to make decisions that may seem to compromise the strategic priorities in the short-term but are ultimately for the long-term benefit of the company. The good news? These skills can be developed, practiced, and refined over time, benefiting all stakeholders. Personalized guidance can make a significant difference in this process.
The ultimate leader is one who develops other leaders. Ryan understands how leaders evolve and how to build confidence as business owners grow alongside their companies.
