Tom’s Leadership Style is Killing His Business

Tom had built his small business from the ground up, and things were going well—except for one glaring issue. His employees just weren’t stepping up. They lacked initiative, only did the bare minimum, and often responded to his feedback with passive-aggressive attitudes. Tom spent most of his time feeling frustrated, wondering why his team wasn’t as motivated as he was. He tried everything he could think of: more meetings, tighter deadlines, even incentives—but nothing worked. In fact, it felt like things were getting worse. There was no life in the business, and it was starting to affect both the bottom line and the work environment.

It wasn’t until Tom hired a leadership coach that the root of the problem became clear. Through coaching, Tom began to realize that he was the one holding the team back. While his intentions were good, his micromanaging style had created a culture of fear and dependency. The employees didn’t feel trusted or empowered to make decisions on their own. Every time Tom hovered over them, pointing out their mistakes, it reinforced the idea that they couldn’t do anything right without his supervision.

Tom’s leadership coach helped him see that he needed to let go and start trusting his employees. Instead of constantly correcting them, he learned how to give constructive feedback, encourage their growth, and, most importantly, give them ownership of their work. The change didn’t happen overnight, but as Tom worked on these new leadership skills, he began to see the shift. His employees, once unmotivated and passive, started taking responsibility for their tasks. They began offering solutions, showing initiative, and displaying a newfound energy that hadn’t been there before.

As Tom let go of micromanaging, his employees felt empowered. They weren’t just doing their jobs anymore—they were bringing their best selves to the work. The entire business became more productive, and the work environment improved dramatically. What Tom learned was simple but transformative: when leaders trust their teams, the teams can thrive.

If your small business is facing similar challenges, it might be time to take a closer look at your leadership style. Sometimes, the solution isn’t to push harder but to step back and trust your team to take the lead. Leadership coaching can provide the insights and tools you need to create a thriving, proactive work culture where employees feel empowered to succeed.

Three Key Skills to Create a Trusting and Empowered Work Environment

1. Delegation and Empowerment
   Instead of micromanaging, Tom can learn to delegate tasks with clear responsibilities and outcomes. This involves giving employees the autonomy to make decisions and trusting their judgment. Empowerment boosts employee confidence and motivation, showing that their contributions are valued. To delegate effectively, Tom should set clear expectations, provide the necessary resources, and allow his team to take ownership of their tasks without constant supervision.
2. Active Listening and Open Communication
   Trust grows when team members feel heard and understood. Tom can practice active listening by fully focusing on his employees during conversations, acknowledging their ideas, and providing constructive feedback. Encouraging open communication also means creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing concerns and suggestions without fear of reprimand. Active listening helps build rapport and fosters a culture of transparency.
3. Encouraging Problem-Solving and Innovation
   Tom can foster trust by encouraging his team to solve problems on their own and contribute ideas for improving processes. By stepping back and letting his employees handle challenges, he shows that he trusts their skills and creativity. This not only boosts individual accountability but also enhances the team’s ability to innovate and grow. Giving employees room to experiment and even fail occasionally is critical for building trust and long-term success.

These skills—delegation, active listening, and encouraging problem-solving—will help Tom shift from micromanaging to creating a supportive, empowered, and motivated team.

TIME TO START:
If you’re ready to transform your leadership and watch your business come to life, let’s connect! My small business and leadership coaching practice can help you identify what’s holding you back and unlock your team’s full potential. Start with a free consultation and see how the right coaching can make all the difference.

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Relationship & Leadership Coaching

Terry Porter is an Executive Life Coach. Working with clients to clarify and pursue their life dreams.

My coaching practice specializes in small business and relationship coaching, offering personalized guidance to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Whether you want to grow your business, improve your leadership skills, or strengthen your personal relationships, my certified approach meets your unique needs. I hold a Master’s Degree in Executive Coaching and am fully certified with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

I offer both in-person and Zoom sessions, making it easy to connect regardless of your location.