Q. My software business is doing OK but I know I should be doing better. An associate of mine says I need to exercise more leadership. That sounds good, but how does one go about doing that?

A. What makes many businesses grow is the leadership and vision of the entrepreneur. Your actions light the way for success because your employees will follow the course you set for the business. Itís up to you to lead by example when it comes to working hard, maintaining high standards, being positive and providing an environment in which employees can take pride. Keep in mind that your personal attitudes and actions have a major influence on those around you.

Some people just love their chosen occupation and nothing makes them happier than doing a good job. They enjoy meeting and helping people; they are enthusiastic; they are positive around everyone---especially customers and employees. People like to be surrounded by positive people and many a leader who may not have been charismatic, but is positive draws a positive response from those he or she interacts with. A positive outlook can go a long way in creating a "can do" attitude among employees and can generate a feeling of goodwill among customers.

Many entrepreneurs attribute their success to the charge they get from the challenges they face. They experience that adrenaline rush that creates an inner desire to succeed and that combined with hard work makes all the difference. Following in these footsteps you should never underestimate your competition nor should you underestimate your ability to rise to the occasion. Small business is a dynamic world and your energy level and positive actions, both real and perceived by others, influences how successful you will be in the marketplace. In this world of small business with modest profit margins, fierce competition and time constraints it is very easy to fall prey to the four cardinal "canít do it" ways of thinking:

I can't. I have no time--Iím busy handling what I have now.

I can't. There is just not enough money to do everything.

I can't. My competitors are making the market too tough.

I can't. Technology will only complicate my business.

To be successful you must be an entrepreneur who creates an attitude of endless possibilities. No, an unending supply of funds is not available. No, competitors just donít go away. No, technology doesnít arrive without a learning curve. Yet, the attitude you want your employees to perceive is that you do not see these issues as obstacles but as opportunities. That spirit of "can do" --what we can do today, what we will do tomorrow and how we will succeed is the essence of success. You are the catalyst to create that attitude throughout your organization.

You have a personal and professional interest vested in the success of your business. Extend that interest to the people who help you get that job done, your employees. Your companyís success depends upon your leadership and part of leadership is valuing employees so that they are not just working for a paycheck but also for job satisfaction. Offering fair wages, good working conditions and opportunities for improvement help you attain and retrain qualified employees. But what really makes the difference between a regular workforce and an exceptional one is the ability of the business owner to motivate his employees. Motivation is something from within rather than without that excites to action and that inner-fire can only be fueled by the example and attitude you set.

As the business leader you must "paint the picture" for your employees, so that they can share in the company vision and become more vested in the companyís success. You must also project your sense of confidence, which reassures both employees and customers, that yours is a successful business.