This section brings together the information you need to understand what great leadership is all about and the support available to help you get there.
What is good leadership? Strong leadership provides a sense of direction for an organisation and its staff. Great leaders inspire employees to buy into their vision for the business and create a work environment that enables them to reach business goals.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to leadership but most successful organisations employ strategies to ensure that
• employees are involved in decision-making
• personal encouragement is provided
• good performance is recognised and rewarded
• staff have the confidence to use their own initiative
• employees share a vision for success
• communication is effective across the organisation
Our guide to skills and training for directors and owners gives you an overview of the key skills required to run a successful business.
The benefits of good leadershipResearch has shown that improved leadership and management can
• give your business a competitive edge
• support the development of a more effective, productive workforce
• improve skills and efficiency in work practices
• help keep ahead of the pace of change
• improve staff morale and retention
• motivate and empower your people
Read our factsheet for more information about the benefits of leadership and management development.
Successful female leadersMichelle Mone is the co-owner of MJM International and creator of Ultimo, the UK’s leading designer lingerie brand. Listed as one of the top three female entrepreneurs in the UK, Michelle has built a hugely successful career on an incredibly simple concept: giving today’s women what they want. Read Michelle Mone’s biography (pdf 598.6KB) for a spot of inspiration.
The concept of good leadership does not just apply in large organisations like Ultimo. Kate Peacock and her husband Miles founded their Preston-based business, Enthios Training and Development Ltd, in 2007 and have found that leadership and management training has helped them immensely. Read their case study to see how leadership and management training can help shape plans for growth.
Julie Anne Murray, Co-founder and Managing Director of PJ Locums, a privately-owned recruitment agency has also recognised the benefits of good leadership and has seen her business go further as a result. Find out how leading and motivating staff has helped Julie Anne to grow her business.
Leadership development programmes and opportunitiesIt is widely recognised that good leadership can make a great difference to small and medium sized businesses which is why there is plenty of support available in the region to help you get there.
From leadership programmes and mentoring to coaching and networking there are plenty of options for you to choose from and our guide to leadership development programmes and opportunities lists what is available to you in the North West.