Many times I’ve thought about that question. We all know a few jerks. I expect I’ve been one a few times. However, in spite of fact there are plenty of men and women who are willing to wear titles (boss, owner, president, supervisor), and who are ready to give orders and issue mandates, there aren’t that many leaders. Yet benefits of being a leader, as opposed to a jerk, are dramatic.

In business it means fewer turnovers, less stress and less conflict. It also means increased customer satisfaction and increased productivity. In business, as well as in home, leadership produces a spirit of goodwill, and fosters cooperation. In view of such benefits, let’s examine three attitudinal differences between leaders and jerks.

TRUST BANK VS. BANKRUPT

Behind one of barber chairs in my 48-year old barbershop is a drop bin that at one time was used for dirty towels. It is now used as a drop for money collected from vending machines. It has become a type of bank into which regular deposits are made. However, as owner of shop, I’m also making deposits of another type – a type much more important, involving staff and customers. These are deposits into a trust bank.

It seems one of great tragedies of business is that jerks may have followers, though having little or nothing in a trust bank. Such folks possibly had a positive balance when they took role, but through large withdrawals became overdrawn.

Deposits, on other hand, include qualities such as integrity. Leaders need to be sort that if they say it’s going to rain, you can put tubs out. It’s going to rain! Also, true leaders are consistent, impartial and optimistic. And when they have problems, they tend to pass them up instead of down. Few things destroy confidence of followers more than jerks who always tell them their problems. Conversely, leaders confide in those above them in chain of authority, and never whine to followers.

ENTHUSIASM VS. EXCITEMENT

Leaders are also enthusiastic. Jerks, on other hand, have fits of excitement. From one day to next, their followers are never quite sure who is going to show up – Jekyll or Hyde.

Much as I hate to begin my day with doughnuts, I also love to begin my day with doughnuts … and it can’t hurt once every six months or so.

“Where are you going I ask? Krispy Kreme? Dunkin’ Doughnuts?”

Richard tenses up. “Corporate doughnuts?” he glowers. “No way. I go to 5 AM Doughnuts.”

Richard is a small businessman and one of his principles is to patronize other small business owners when he possibly can.

Take Advantage of What You Know

Did you ever think about this? If you run a small business, you know many things: ·How hard to you work. ·The exceptional service and products you offer. ·How hard it is to compete with major chains, corporate “stores,” and discount franchises. ·That, therefore, you must be exceptional. ·That you offer a better product for a decent price, better service, and a greater value. ·That if people don’t patronize your business, you’re not going to make it, and your neighborhood will lose a great asset.

It happened in town where I live overnight. For years we had been patronizing “locals.” There was a wonderful book store with a quaint name and unique appearance. The woman who ran it was owner’s son and had taught elementary school for more years than I had been alive. When I went in there with my son, in elementary school at time, she lavished attention upon him. She would go and get a book she recommended and place it in his hands. She would tell him why he would like it (or tell me why it would be “good for him”) with glowing eyes and enthusiasm in her voice.

She knew her stock, she loved books, she loved children, she knew parents … and when store went under, when big book stores moved in, our community lost a great asset. My son and I felt loss personally.

There are ways in which small businesses can’t compete. It’s hard to get price down to rock-bottom that larger chains offer, but sometimes there are much greater benefits, and you will get more value for your dollar. That woman had a knack for picking books for a 10 year-old boy that helped feed a lifetime love of learning. Yes, I was teaching this at home, but you know how it is – confirmation from someone other than “Mother” works well.

Your Policy as a Small Business Owner

If you have a small business, consider making it your policy to patronize other small businesses. Look for local book store, local hardware store, and yes, “5 AM Donuts” store on corner.

From your website, to photography, to clothing, to corner pub or ethnic restaurant, you can often get a much better experience at local level. Small business owners are free to meet specific needs of community, and sometimes a lot more interested in doing so.