What do you consider the most important leadership trait a small business owner must possess? We asked several Jacksonville business owners and asked them to describe how they develop that trait in their business operations.

Vision: Key to growth

Joe Murphy

Great small businesses are led by visionary leaders. Employees of visionary leaders have a clear picture of where the company is going, and what the rewards will be for them if those goals are achieved. I strive  to be a visionary leader by creating a collaborative work environment in which communication is clear; successes are celebrated; and mistakes are not repeated. Only when all team members feel that their work is meaningful and important can any company reach its peak performance.

—Joseph Murphy, Lifeware TEK, www.lifeware.com

Ann Sabaag

Small business leaders need have a clear and compelling vision about their company and what it contributes. They need to pursue that vision with passion and share it with their people in a way that captivates and inspires them to want to be a part of it.  A well defined vision provides unity and energy keeps everyone focused .  It’s particularly powerful when a leader stays true to their vision through periods of adversity.

—Ann Sabbag, Health Designs, www.healthdesigns.net

Consistency: Important for everyone

Many factors determine the success of a small business, but most successful small business leaders share

Mary Ann Magers

a common trait— consistency. Customers often leave because they are surprised about something, such as a price change that was not communicated properly or a customer-service experience that did not meet their expectations. Inconsistent operations also place a great amount of stress on employees. This results in high turnover, high training costs, and poor customer experiences.

I strive to maintain consistent operations by having a clear mission statement and a written plan that clearly communicate the vision and purpose of the company. I find that written policies and procedures empower employees, and ensure that every client has an excellent experience with no surprises.

—MaryAnn Magers, CPA, Magers & Associates, LLC, www.magerscpa.com

Sincerity: Secret to long-term relationships

Curtis Osmond

I believe that the single most important leadership trait for  small business leaders is sincerity. You have to truly care about your customers and your team — and about building long-term relationships. That means being accessible and taking the time to really listen to what people are saying.

I work on showing I care by sitting down for a “family”meal with my staff before each shift. We talk about past successes and opportunities for improvement. It’s a time to celebrate and a time to plan— and we do it every day. We try never to take things for granted. Sharing good food and conversation helps create a tight-knit team with a genuine desire to provide memorable dining experiences for our guests.

—Curtis Osmond, III Forks Steaks and Seafood, www.IIIforks.com