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In today’s fast-paced environment, the challenges UK business leaders are facing are enormous.

According to the GC Situation Report and Business Survey (3 February 2023 – 3 March 2023, 174 surveys), even though business confidence continues to be strong in the face of difficult economic circumstances, cost risks remain a major problem for well over a third of firms.

At the same time, cashflow problems are continuing to affect nearly a quarter of businesses, and more firms reported late payments. The proportion of firms recruiting has increased from last month, however, three-fifths of firms reported skills gaps in sales, digital and team leadership.

Business leaders play a crucial role in leading the business to grow and succeed. How can they act as a captain to steer in this ever-changing business environment?

Dawn Duggan, Head of People, Skills & Talent at GC Business Growth Hub, explained: “In today’s ever-changing business landscape it’s sometimes hard to see what you should do next, so having a ‘Dare to’ mindset is essential for any business leader who wants to succeed.

“By embracing this mindset, leaders can not only overcome challenges but also develop the skills and talents necessary to stay ahead of the competition. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and take risks, but with the right mindset, anything is possible.”

Embrace the ‘Dare to’ mindset

A ‘Dare to’ mindset involves taking risks, challenging the status quo, and pursuing new opportunities. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, organisations need leaders that are willing to take bold steps and make difficult decisions. Adopting a “Dare to” mindset could be the key to driving innovation, growth, and success.

When business leaders embrace a ‘Dare to’ mindset, they are more likely to:

Embrace change

Leaders are willing to learn and are better equipped to adapt to new trends and market conditions. They can anticipate industry disruptions and proactively adjust their strategies to stay ahead of the competition.

Encourage innovation

Leaders can foster a culture of creativity and experimentation within their organisations and positively motivate their employees. They empower their teams to generate new ideas and test new approaches, which can lead to breakthrough innovations.

Build resilience

Leaders can navigate through challenging times with greater ease. They have the courage and determination to persevere through setbacks and become more assertive on the other side.

So, how can you start your ‘Dare to’ journey? Upskilling yourself would be the first step to take. Let’s begin with three directions which could be a good starting point for you.

Dare to Challenge – Be a game-changer

Managing people is always dynamic and complicated. Leaders who are not afraid to challenge the status quo can inspire their teams to think creatively and find new solutions to complex problems. They are fearless in taking calculated risks, challenging traditional ways of thinking, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

To further develop the leader’s skills in managing people, they can consider participating in a Workforce Development Programme. This fully funded programme is designed to provide leaders with the necessary tools and techniques to build a highly engaged and productive workforce and invest in their most prominent asset – people.

The programme covers seven key topics, including leadership development, employee engagement, talent management, and change management. By participating in the Workforce Development programme, business leaders can enhance their skills and drive positive organisational change.

Dare to Connect – Start your ‘Give and Take’ journey

In today’s interconnected world, networking is more important than ever, and leaders with a Dare to Connect mindset are more likely to be successful in building these connections. They are willing to step out of their comfort zones and engage with others to share ideas, learn from different perspectives, and collaborate on new initiatives.

One effective way to connect with other business talent is through mentorship. Leaders can become a mentor to share their knowledge and experience, or they can become a mentee to learn from others.

The Leadership Hive Mentoring Programme is a great way to start this ‘give and take’ experience. This programme connects leaders with other like-minded professionals in a structured mentoring relationship through iMentor, a digital mentoring platform. iMentor works by matching mentees who are looking for business guidance with an experienced mentor who can provide useful knowledge and help to apply actionable strategies.

This is a unique opportunity for businesses to gain access to high-calibre mentors with experience to share knowledge, ideas, and good practice. On the other hand, mentors can gain insights into new perspectives and approaches, receive valuable feedback, and build lasting relationships with other business professionals.

Dare to Grow – Unleash your potential

Business leaders need to embrace a Dare to Grow mindset because continuous learning and development are critical for success in today’s fast-paced business environment. Most business leaders are busy with the daily running of their business, with many spinning various plates, from managing finance and client acquisition to team management and marketing analysis. However, leaders can consider taking an n-demand training programme to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Open SME is an excellent example of an on-demand training programme that allows leaders to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. This programme provides access to various courses and resources, covering topics including Digital, Finance, Marketing, Models and People. By taking advantage of this programme, business leaders can stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve their performance.

Additionally, a Dare to Grow mindset can inspire leaders to seek out new opportunities for growth and development, both personally and professionally. Leaders can drive more tremendous success for themselves and their organisations by investing in their growth and development.

In conclusion

Embracing a ‘Dare to’ mindset is essential for business leaders who want to create a dynamic and successful business that can adapt to change, attract and retain top talent, and drive innovation and growth.

Dawn added: “If you want to be a true leader, don’t be afraid to ‘Dare to’. Check if you’re eligible for the numerous fully funded programmes on offer that can help you future-proof your company, and learn new skills that can take you to the next level.”

Embrace a Dare to Inspire mindset by visiting our programmes pages.

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