I started my career as a school social worker. Because I loved working with children and their families, my passion for helping those in need couldn’t be measured. However, because I suffered from ulcerative colitis—a chronic illness that affects the large intestine—I had to make a change, not just in my career, but to my life in general.  I made a promise to myself that I would never allow anyone suffering because of health issues, feel so alone during such a stressful time.

My next move, which was a natural one for me, was to use my passion to help others navigate through any uncertainty or concern when it came to their health. So, I became a health and wellness coach. In my work, I help my clients not only understand their health benefits, but also understand how to ask the right questions regarding their health or the health of their loved ones. I support them through the difficult times in their lives.

These Leadership Traits Make a Business Attractive

(An Attractive Business Gets Referrals)

Although certain leadership traits seem obvious in a health-related field, I believe all business owners who want to influence and inspire others should possess the following five leadership traits. Without them, you’ll come up short, especially when it comes to referrals. With few or no referrals, it’s difficult to succeed in business.

1. Compassion: Without compassion, relating to your employees, your clients, or anyone you come into contact with,makes doing business difficult. People want to be heard. People want to be understood. People want to know that those they work with do, in fact, show compassion. When someone lacks compassion, there is no trust. Would you refer a business owner who lacks compassion?
2. Trust: If people don’t trust you, they aren’t going to have a relationship with you. Remember, trust is the backbone of any business. When there is no trust, people will not do business with you. In fact, they will take their business and their contacts elsewhere.  Would you refer a business owner who can’t be trusted?
3. Authenticity: If you aren’t authentic and aren’t there to genuinely help when someone needs it, it is obvious. In order to be a successful leader, wanting to help should be your first objective. Referrals and business will come after that, but referrals should never be your reason for wanting to help. Would you refer a business owner who lacks authenticity—who is insincere?
4. Organization: This is often overlooked, but if you aren’t organized, you don’t know if you are coming or going. Your failure to complete tasks, follow up, or do what you promise to do impacts your productivity and your ability to help your clients. When you disappoint your clients, they will not refer you to their family, friends, or business associates. Would you refer a business owner who does sloppy work, is late for appointments, and misses deadlines—in other words—disorganized?
5. Passion: If you don’t have passion for what you are doing, people can see that right away. Without it, it’s difficult to believe in what you are doing. And you certainly won’t get others to believe in what you’re doing, whether it’s your employees or your clients. Would you refer a business owner who lacks passion for what she does?

It’s important to stay true to these traits, especially when you interact with others. If you find yourself slipping, make time to self-reflect and get back on track. There are moments when I have had to step away, remind myself why I do what I do, and then reconnect with these traits to ensure I conduct myself like the leader I want to be.

What about you?

Lindsay Haug,Owner

Commence Coaching

CommenceCoaching@gmail.com