Core Skills and Resources
As HarvestBox grew, Naledi Mokoena began preparing to build a larger team. Until now, she had made the most decisions herself. But with more customer orders, supplier relationships and daily challenges, other people were beginning to look for directions.
Naledi initially believed leadership would begin once she hired employees. She soon discovered that it had already begun.
When a supplier delivered late, the team watched how she responded. When a customer complained, they noticed whether she became defensive or searched for a solution. When deadlines created pressure, her communication influenced whether the people around her felt focused or anxious.
The way Naledi led herself was quietly becoming the example others followed.
Understanding What Guides, You
Before deciding what, she expected from a team, Naledi considered what she expected from herself.
She identified three values she wanted to protect as HarvestBox grew: reliability, respect, and care. These values needed to be more than words. If reliability mattered, she had to communicate early when plans changed. If respect mattered, she had to listen before reacting. If care mattered, decisions had to consider customers, team members and suppliers—not only profit.
Naledi also reflected on her strengths. She was creative, persuasive, and good at building relationships. However, she sometimes made quick decisions without explaining her reasoning. Under pressure, she tended to take over tasks instead of trusting others to help.
This awareness did not make her a perfect leader. It helped her become a more intentional one.
Creating the Pattern Others Will Follow
When the next supplier delay occurred, Naledi paused before responding. She gathered the facts, explained the situation calmly, and invited the team to help find a solution. Afterward, she acknowledged where her own planning could have been clearer.
That moment shaped the team more powerfully than any leadership speech. Naledi demonstrated that problems could be addressed without blame, and that taking responsibility was a sign of strength.
Your business will grow around you. The way you communicate, handle pressure, and make decisions will become part of its culture.
You do not need to have everything figured out. Start by asking yourself:
- Which values do I want my everyday actions to demonstrate?
- Which strengths can I build on, and where do I need greater awareness or support?
When you understand how you show up, you create a stronger foundation for the people who will eventually work alongside you.
Before you lead others, you lead yourself. And that is where real progress begins.
Until next time, Instant Startup community!
