In many businesses, leadership is seen as something that happens in boardrooms or during quarterly reviews – a responsibility held by the few. But for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing fast-changing markets, staffing pressures and rising customer expectations, that top-down model simply doesn’t hold up.
Instead, leadership must be shared. Whether it’s a customer-facing technician solving a problem on the spot, or an administrator improving a clunky process, leadership can – and should – happen everywhere. When it does, the results are powerful: greater engagement, better problem-solving, and a culture of accountability that drives growth from within.
This mindset shift isn’t just aspirational – it’s actionable. And more than ever, SMEs need to unlock the leadership potential across their teams.
Leadership Is a Mindset, Not a Job Title
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) found that 82% of managers enter their roles without any formal management or leadership training – a striking figure that highlights how many are expected to lead without the tools to succeed. For SMEs in particular, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: with flatter structures and greater flexibility, smaller businesses are well placed to develop leadership behaviours across teams – not just at the top.
At Chubb Fire & Security, a global organisation operating across diverse markets, this idea is deeply embedded in our culture. Our philosophy is simple: Everyone is a Leader. Whether it’s engineers in the field or office-based support teams, leadership is viewed as a mindset – one grounded in ownership, integrity and stepping up for others. While this approach reflects the values that guide us at Chubb, it’s a principle that can be adopted by businesses of all sizes and sectors. Because when leadership is lived at every level, it doesn’t just elevate individuals – it strengthens entire organisations.
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