11 Things Your Team Needs From You

A series about what your team actually needs.

Being an owner can often feel like you aren't sure what your team actually needs. The truth is, they don't need the perfect leader. Our people will forgive many sins if we are seeking growth, to care for them well, and seeking their best interest...leading them well.

Our industry doesn't need more cool people.

Our industry doesn't need more well spoken folks.

Our industry doesn't need more roasters that have great branding.

Our industry needs leaders. People seeking the betterment of their people and the entire supply circle. Being a leader doesn't mean that you make all the right decisions but rather that you learn from every decision. It means you seek to make the lives of your team members better.

Being a leader is about seeking the best for your team above your own.

As a coffee roastery owner, your job is both incredibly rewarding and simultaneously very demanding. You have to continuously be transcending from yesterday's demands into the demands of today. It can feel like your team only wants to take from you. But what they really want is for you to transcend into the leader they believe you can be. They don’t need the idea of what you think being a leader is. Nor do they need you to function as you did before you hired them.

The bosses we’ve been unfortunate to have, the “leadership gurus” on youtube and the desire to be a “cool boss” are all in conflict with what it actually means to be a leader.

Your team needs you…

…to be fully present. When you show up to the roaster, be there.

…to disconnect fully. When you take off, actually disconnect. They’ll call if they need you.

…to be decisive. Most anxiety for you and your team is a result of the decisions that aren’t made. Be thoughtfully decisive.

…to care for yourself. You’ll be better for it and you’ll treat your team better when you care for yourself.

…to lead. Your team doesn’t need another member, they need a leader. Be that for them.

…to read. Don’t feel guilty for reading during the day. Learning  helps you grow as a leader.

…to do what you say. Trust is built & broken here.

…to listen to them. You make the decisions but they need to be heard in the process.

…to speak. Your voice is a crucial element of the success of your roaster. Do this thoughtfully and intentionally.

…to be the face. Don’t hide behind your company, lead from the front. If you don’t, who will?

…to lift others. Being the face doesn’t mean that you can’t give your team opportunities. Give opportunities and encouragement often.

Your team needs you to be a leader.