6 Leadership Skills to Help Scale Your Trade Business
Running a trade business is challenging enough without constantly managing your crew. But here’s the truth: if you want to scale, you need a strong team you can trust. Leadership is about building an empowered team to support business growth, and developing these skills is critical. While 86% of employees believe leadership is essential for success, only 30% feel their leaders have the right skills.
A well-led, motivated team can handle more responsibilities, allowing you to focus on growth instead of daily tasks. Here’s how to strengthen your leadership and scale your trade business.
1. Communication is Key
Good leaders communicate clearly. Setting job expectations and maintaining open lines of communication ensure that everyone stays aligned and productive. A quick daily check-in with your team can reduce misunderstandings, keep the worksite efficient, and improve morale. When your team knows exactly what’s expected, they’re better positioned to help grow the business.
Benefits of Effective Communication:
- Avoids confusion and keeps projects on track
- Fosters a positive work environment
- Builds trust and teamwork
2. Delegate and Build Trust
As a leader, you can’t do everything. Delegating tasks frees up your time and empowers your team. By trusting your crew to take on responsibilities, you increase their engagement and pride in their work. Delegation allows you to focus on higher-priority tasks that drive growth while your team manages day-to-day operations.
Why Delegation Matters:
- Encourages accountability and pride in work
- Lets you focus on scaling activities
- Builds a reliable team ready for new challenges
3. Lead by Example
Setting a high standard of respect and hard work motivates your team to follow. Leading by example creates a ripple effect, inspiring your team to deliver their best every day. A strong leader who “walks the talk” sets the tone for a productive and positive workplace, which is key to business success.
Benefits of Leading by Example:
- Inspires loyalty and respect from the team
- Encourages high performance and dedication
- Fosters a strong, motivated workforce
4. Empower Your Team with Skills Growth
In the trade industry, staying current is essential. Providing ongoing training in new tools, techniques, and safety standards keeps your team competitive and sharp. Investing in your team’s development not only enhances their skills but also strengthens your business, ensuring you’re ready to tackle the latest industry demands.
How Skills Development Supports Growth:
- Keeps your business competitive
- Improves team confidence and capability
- Prepares your business for new opportunities
5. Be Transparent About Business Goals
Transparency builds trust and aligns your team with your vision. By sharing your goals and vision, you make your team feel part of something bigger. This approach fosters accountability and encourages everyone to take ownership of their role in business success.
Advantages of Transparency:
- Builds trust and strengthens teamwork
- Enhances accountability and commitment
- Aligns the team with your business vision
6. Cultivate a Positive Team Culture
A supportive, respectful workplace culture can significantly impact team morale and retention. Promote teamwork, respect, and open communication to create an environment where everyone feels valued. A strong culture doesn’t just make your team happier—it’s essential for retaining skilled workers and attracting new talent in the trades industry.
Why Culture is Key to Scaling:
- Boosts team morale and job satisfaction
- Attracts and retains top talent
- Drives productivity and business growth
Influencers and Public Speakers for Tradies and Service Businesses
For further insights and inspiration, here are some influential leaders who share valuable advice for trade and service industries:
- Tom Reber – Host of The Contractor Fight, Tom Reber focuses on helping contractors improve leadership, team management, and profitability. His actionable advice on scaling trade businesses makes him a great resource for tradies.
- Al Levi – A former HVAC contractor, Al Levi coaches trade business owners on how to build scalable processes. He focuses on creating business systems that allow owners to work “on” rather than “in” their businesses.
- Ellen Rohr – Known for helping tradespeople with financial systems, Ellen Rohr provides straightforward advice on managing the finances of a service business. Her focus on simplicity and profitability makes her a great resource for scaling up.
- Mike Agugliaro – Co-founder of CEO Warrior, Mike Agugliaro provides leadership coaching specifically for service business owners, helping them achieve rapid growth. His resources include tips on team-building, profitability, and customer service.
- Brandon Vaughn – A leader in helping service businesses grow, Brandon Vaughn’s Conquer Program offers coaching specifically for the service trades. He focuses on leadership, scaling, and sustainable growth.
Want to Improve Your Leadership?
Consider reading Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek for insights on building trust and loyalty within your team. Strong leadership skills are a cornerstone of a thriving trade business, and investing in these skills is essential for scaling successfully.
