There are two kinds of leaders: one that acts on a whim, and one that follows procedures to solve a problem. When faced with business hiccups, it’s always tempting to go on fire-drill mode and implement extreme yet arbitrary measures that initially feel like would answer the root cause of any problem. However, these band-aid solutions won’t give your company the long-term answer it needs.

This is particularly true for startup companies. From fierce competition, pressure from investors, and building a solid customer base, to financial management, the challenges that continuously pose a threat are insurmountable. However, an effective leader would know that for a business to thrive, exercising power over force is key. Keep in mind that force doesn’t necessarily equate to smart planning and efficient decision-making; it simply is exerting action for the sake of exerting action without data to back it up. Power, on the other hand, is a systemized set of actions with rationale, expert strategies, and proven results.

To implement power that yields desirable outputs, you need systems. Systems are data-driven actions with proven positive results. Having a built-in system in your company prepares you on a routine basis. So every time you feel the need to go on fire-drill mode, ask yourself these questions:

• “What systems do I need?”
• “What daily actions do my team need to add?”
• “How can I take this pressure and convert it into an optimized system that works for our team?”

Let me break it down for you:

Power = Systems

Your power lies in the systems you have in place. From solid task management, efficient accounting, effective scheduling, strong customer development, to structured employee management, these systems are your first line of defense whenever a challenge arises. While it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed whenever a problem occurs, going through your company procedures is essential in not just providing solutions, but also building your confidence as a leader.

Ultimately, you can’t give what you don’t have. But if these building blocks are in place, then unifying the organization’s problem-solving and decision-making is achievable.

Systems = Consistent Data-Driven Actions

The challenge most startups face is overcoming biases to provide the most effective rulings and informed and verified decisions that align with your business strategies. The good news is that modern analytic tools such as DDDM (data-driven decision-making) and interactive dashboards are readily available for companies to integrate into their business systems. It’s a wise investment that allows leaders to leverage analyzed data rather than shooting in the dark.

Consistent Actions = Strong Outputs

You may have heard this phrase plenty of times, but truly, consistency is key. It’s a cliche for a reason, and that’s because it works time and time again. Systems play a huge role in reaching a level of top-notch consistency in your company across all departments. It all starts with the top management’s creation of procedures. A system in place helps in ensuring that those procedures are properly implemented across the organization. To achieve consistency, leaders need to monitor these processes. This will also allow you to take corrective measures and improve if necessary.

Who experiences the ripple effect of an organization’s consistency? The clients. The strong outputs of consistent actions reflect on the products and services your business provides.

Strong Outputs = Happy Investors

Strong outputs are a testament that your business is doing well. This doesn’t just reflect on your company’s efficient system, but also on your effective leadership. Systems are merely the fuel in your organization’s tank; ultimately, the leader is in charge of the wheels.

Reaching your company’s desired results reflects on investors’ satisfaction. Keep in mind that the investment community is a small one. Keeping your investors happy highly reflects on your brand, allowing you to grow and further expand. In fact, it is widely known that many investors join a company not just for the sake of investing; it’s because they care about that brand. Not only are they your company’s source of funding, but they’re also your biggest champions.

The takeaway here is that don’t just work hard; work smart. Force without reason is merely just motion without purpose. Exercise your power, invest in advanced tools, scour your resources, and get those desired outputs.

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