Leading your business

Anna Stubbs • April 14, 2023

Times of crisis are defining moments for great leaders. Consider the contrasting results that different countries experienced with Covid-19, based on the approach their respective leaders have taken.


Great leadership is effectively guiding or influencing your team to work towards achieving your goals. Leadership is always on; there is no place to hide in a time of crisis.


Consider the four quadrants of great leadership:
1.
Vision. Clarity of what you want, what the future looks like for the business and team, and how you’ll know when you’ve got there.
2.
Energy. Leading by example, with positivity, to inspire and motivate the team to be the best they can.
3.
Focus. Sharing the common purpose (why your business exists for your customers), setting clear expectations and defining what a great day’s work looks like for everyone on the team.
4.
Empowerment. Providing constant feedback, training and support, and delegating effectively without abdicating responsibility.


Now consider the key responsibilities of a leader:
-
Implementing the plan. What is your new plan and how will you ensure that everyone knows their role in making it happen?
-
Providing a framework and structure for business improvement and innovation. A crisis is a time to reinvent, re-engineer, innovate, and adapt
-
Monitoring performance against the plan. How will you make sure you stick to the plan, celebrate success, and take corrective action when things start to go pear-shaped?
-
Motivating and inspiring the team. What meetings and other communication forums are needed to ensure that everyone on the team remains engaged and part of the bigger picture?
-
Promoting a great business culture. What are the business’s Core Values and rules of engagement that can play to the strengths of the team and foster a supportive and fun environment?


With the above in mind, what leadership skills do you need to sharpen?

Talk to us about how we can help you get the best from your team and business.

“Anyone can lead when the plan is working. The best lead when the plan falls apart.” - Robin S. Sharma

By Anna Stubbs February 25, 2026
Chances are you’ve heard of the accounting term ‘balance sheet’. But what is a balance sheet? And what does it tell you about your finances? Your balance sheet is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at a specific point in time. It’s an overview of your finances that details three key elements of your accounting. 
By Anna Stubbs February 25, 2026
A Bank reconciliation involves a comparison of your sales and expense records against the record your bank has. It is a critical financial process to identify and rectify any discrepancies or errors between your internal financial records with the transactions recorded in your bank statement. Bank reconciliations keep your bookkeeping accurate and can help lower your tax, alert you to fraud, and allow you to track costs. They are essential for several reasons: Firstly, they help detect and prevent fraudulent activities or errors, such as unauthorized transactions or bank fees. Secondly, they provide a clear picture of your actual cash position, allowing for better cash flow management and informed financial decision-making. Thirdly, by reconciling regularly, you can also identify any outstanding checks or deposits that haven't cleared, ensuring that you have an up-to-date understanding of your financial health. It can take a lot of time to do it manually, but there is plenty of software to make the process easier. It's important to do it regularly so you recall the correct details. To learn more about how to perform a bank reconciliation and its importance, you can read this guide from Xero. If you need further assistance please talk to us, we can help.
By Anna Stubbs February 25, 2026
“Our data shows more clouds have gathered over business confidence, and the outlook for SMEs in 2026 is unsettled.” “Firms tell us they are worried about tax, struggling to invest and fear they’ll have to put their prices up in the months ahead.” David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce