When running a business, no one prepares you for how to handle hurricanes like Helene and Milton. They probably didn’t think to cover that chapter in business school.
The IRS is stepping up to provide assistance to business owners throughout the Southeast who have been affected by the recent storms.
If your business was impacted by either Hurricane Milton or Helene, the IRS is postponing a number of filing and payment deadlines until May 1, 2025. This relief applies to businesses with returns normally due in March or April 2025, as well as anyone who had an extension for their 2023 federal return. [Note: This does not mean an extension of time on paying your 2023 taxes.]
The IRS is also cutting some slack on payroll and excise tax penalties for businesses that missed deposits in the weeks after the hurricane, as long as they’re paid by October 21.
For all the details on what’s covered, check out the IRS disaster assistance page and get back to focusing on what matters—rebuilding your business.
I’m not just talking about paperwork and deadlines. I’m talking about leadership. When disaster strikes, good leadership is what will keep your team grounded through the chaos.
When you think about good leadership, what comes to mind? Certainly, it’s not someone who never makes mistakes and never asks for help. It’s likely you imagine someone who leads by example. Someone who prioritizes integrity and honesty and has the ability to learn from their mistakes.
We think of that because those are the best kind of people to work with. Which is why you want to aspire to be that person in your business, too.
So, it’s time to do a little internal digging: Are you showing up as the leader that your Southeastern FL business needs?
Good Leadership in Your Southeastern FL Business Starts Here
“Leadership is an achievement of trust.” – Peter Drucker
The expectations placed on you as a leader can be a heavy burden to bear. You have to have all the answers, bounce back from every setback, be the caring mentor your employees need, and be a genius problem-solver. Oh, and don’t forget being the office snack-stocker extraordinaire.
It can feel impossible to live up to these expectations of good leadership because—let’s be real—it IS impossible.
The truth is, good leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being authentic.
Why? Because authentic leadership creates a culture where employees feel comfortable and understood. Your team wants to rally behind a leader that displays integrity and honesty.
Don’t just take my word for it – studies have shown that authentic leadership results in a more inclusive work culture and more engaged employees, which leads to lower turnover rates and improved workplace productivity.
So, how do you become an authentic leader? Start with these intentional habits.
Practice self-reflection
“The number one area that will impact your business and leadership is the ability to effectively manage your own mental, emotional, and physical state.” (Kevin Getch, CEO Webfor)
Why? Because the practices you put in place for YOUR internal well-being (inevitably) trickle down and determine the well-being of your team.
Good leadership starts with self-reflection – assessing who you are, who you want to be, and how you’re going to get there.
You could start practicing self-reflection by…
– Journaling. Jot down your thoughts, feelings, and the highs and lows of your day (Specifically, gratitude journaling is a powerful tool for reflection.)
– Weekly review. For example, every Saturday morning you could sit down with a cup of coffee (or Red Bull, if that’s your thing) and make note of your accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned.
– Monthly evaluation. At the end of each month, assess how well you’re meeting your goals and what changes you need to make to meet them.
Develop listening skills
If you want to show empathy to your team members, listen to them.
And no, I’m not talking about the kind of listening where you’re nodding your head and simultaneously thinking about your next meeting. I mean asking questions and paying attention (AKA – active listening).
The next time you’re in a conversation with a team member, try paraphrasing what they are saying (ex: What I hear you saying is…). Ask clarifying questions. And—this is a big one—put away your phone or any other distractions. Show that you hear them and actually care about what they have to say.
Ask (and encourage) lots of questions.
“Great leaders constantly ask questions.” (Vanessa Nornberg, CEO of Metal Mafia)
Ask questions to spark ideas and challenge your business framework. Why did a customer leave that nasty review? What’s missing in our company culture? How could our product be adapted to better fit the needs of our customers?
Question the status quo. Seek diverse perspectives. Be open to unexpected outcomes. Authentic leaders encourage exploration (and know that mistakes are part of the process). If you don’t fear failure, your team won’t either.
Good leadership goes much deeper than keeping up a facade of perfection. It’s about creating an environment where people can bring their whole selves to work, feel valued, and contribute their best. We know that, especially in the area of financial management, leading your Miami Metropolitan business can be challenging.
From leader to leader, we’re here to lend an ear.
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To being human,
Ralf Heyer