As a business owner, you may often feel like you have to do it all. And, for a while, maybe you did. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. The more capable, knowledgeable people you have around you, the more your business can achieve.

That’s where smart leadership comes in. In an industry largely made up of small, independently owned businesses, the term “manager” can mean very different things depending on the size and structure of the operation. In multi-location salons, there may be a full management hierarchy: general managers, store managers, and assistant managers. In single-location businesses, the owner may wear all those hats, or delegate select duties to trusted shift leaders.

But increasingly, even smaller operations are realizing the benefits of a more formal management structure where a manager is more than just a reliable shift supervisor. These advanced leaders often take on a salaried role and play a strategic part in growing the business. They understand marketing and branding, keep a pulse on customer experience, engage and coach the team, and think proactively about business goals. These leaders aren’t just managing the business but actually driving it forward.

Developing this kind of manager doesn’t happen by accident. Many grow into the role by being dependable and efficient, but that doesn’t always come with the higher-level thinking and leadership acumen needed to truly drive business forward. Fortunately, a wealth of affordable and accessible training resources is available to help. Whether you’re developing an emerging leader or strengthening your own owner/operator capabilities, the tools in this guide can help take your management skills, and your business to the next level.

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.