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Pareto Law - A leadership in crisis?

Keeping a cool head in a leadership crisis - 7 helpful advice

With inflation and unemployment rising, and the value of Sterling falling, Gordon Brown’s leadership continues to be under pressure. But what about business leaders who are struggling in the economic climate?

Keeping a cool head in a leadership crisis – whether you’re running the country or a business that needs to grow – is vital. Now sales development and training specialist Pareto Law offers its top tips to help ease the pressure of leadership.

Look the part – It may sound simple, but getting the dress code right – whether that’s relaxed like Sir Richard Branson, or more formal like Sir Alan Sugar – is key if you want to create the right impression and generate trust with employees, customers, suppliers and partners.
Know your stuff – Knowledge is a powerful thing, so if you’re going to lead you need to make sure you know what you’re talking about. This means putting in the hours, getting to know the business, people, products, everything that’s involved in the business’ success. The whole point of being a leader is that people can turn to you for advice, and trust you to provide the right input. You can’t ‘wing it’ any more – you need to know your facts to gain their respect.
The right team – One of the most important elements in successful leadership, particularly in a challenging economic climate, is the ability to surround yourself with a strong team. Look at where you want your business to be in the future, and then ensure you have the team and skills in place to get you there. A leader has to be able to delegate, but if you don’t trust your team it will hold you back, so make sure you put in place a structure and people that can support you 100%.
Confidence Booster – Everyone has days when they’re not feeling on top form, but a leader has to be confident every step of the way. Keep a cool head and don’t panic when things get tough. Listen to advice, do your research and act decisively and confidently.
Decisions Decisions – Just as the indecisiveness of the Government over stamp duty impacted on the housing market, if you avoid tackling a subject and skirt around it you lose credibility and cause confusion. As a leader you need to make clear decisions and communicate these effectively.
Be consistent with your team – If you delegate responsibilities make sure you commit to this, and don’t wade in to take control away from others. If they come to you for advice offer it, but ensure you give your backing to the team and support them in their actions, rather than taking over.
Get an External View – Finally, if you are the boss, who will challenge your decisions? As a result it is wise to have a trusted friend or mentor from outside the business who won’t simply accept what you say as gospel, but will question your actions for the good of the business.

Jonathan Fitchew, joint managing director at Pareto Law, says: "The saying ‘born leader’ is often true – some people naturally have the presence and authority to lead, be that a youth club or the country. However, leadership skills can be learnt and developed over time – if the leader is willing to recognise their weaknesses."

"In the current climate it is important for leaders in all sectors to assess their skills and look at how they can improve. Training can have a huge impact, and with businesses suffering in the credit crunch it’s important that key people have the support to tackle the issues facing them."

About Pareto Law:
Pareto Law is the UK’s leading graduate assessment, placement and training organisation, with offices in Cheshire, London, Leeds/East Midlands, Birmingham, Bristol, Nutley (SE) and Glasgow. The company believes that often 80% of sales come from the top 20% of the sales team. Pareto Law aims to provide this top 20% through a mix of rigorous assessment and professional training. For more information visit >>>>