By: Irwin Fleig

Leadership is often associated with high-powered executives in corporate boardrooms, but as Alex Cummins illustrates in The Leadership Route: How Different Approaches to Management Can Shape a Leader, it is just as critical—if not more so—for small businesses. In an era of economic volatility and rapid change, the ability to lead effectively can make the difference between growth and stagnation, between resilience and collapse. Cummins reframes leadership not as a top-down command structure but as a mindset and practice that can (and should) be cultivated at all levels of an organization.

The Owner’s Perspective: Leading with Vision, Not Just Hustle

For small business owners, leadership often begins with vision. Entrepreneurs are typically the ones setting the course and making tough calls, especially when resources are limited and the pressure is high. According to Cummins, effective leaders in this context are not just tacticians; they’re visionaries who must define where the business is going and how to bring others along for the journey.

One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of clarity—clarity of values, purpose, and expectations. While it may feel natural for entrepreneurs to guard their ideas, Cummins suggests that involving the team early on in shaping that vision builds a deeper sense of ownership and engagement. “You can’t do it all alone,” he writes. “And you don’t need to.” Cultivating a supportive and empowered culture reduces the risk of burnout and multiplies the leader’s impact.

From Control to Empowerment: Decentralized Leadership in Practice

Many small businesses begin with centralized decision-making out of necessity—the founder knows the business best and is closest to daily operations. But as the business grows, this model becomes a bottleneck. Cummins stresses that transitioning to decentralized leadership is essential for sustained growth.

Rather than clinging to control, successful leaders communicate clear goals and values that empower others to act independently. This shift doesn’t just accelerate execution; it nurtures leadership at every level. Employees who understand the “why” behind decisions are more equipped—and more willing—to make aligned choices on their own. This trust-based model enhances innovation, speeds up response time, and deepens commitment.

The Employee’s View: Everyone Leads

Cummins challenges the traditional view that leadership is about title or tenure. “In a sense, you lead every time you act with integrity, take initiative, or help others grow,” he notes. The Leadership Route encourages everyone, regardless of formal role, to see themselves as capable of leadership.

For employees, this might mean mentoring a colleague, speaking up with new ideas, or simply embodying company values. In this way, leadership becomes a practice of influence, not control. It’s about modeling empathy, seeking feedback, and creating space for others to shine. Businesses that encourage this kind of distributed leadership foster more dynamic, engaged, and resilient teams.

The Customer’s Experience: Ethical Leadership Builds Loyalty

Leadership also shapes how businesses show up in the world—and customers notice. Cummins makes a strong case that ethical, inclusive leadership is a business advantage. While large corporations may follow corporate social responsibility mandates out of obligation, small businesses have the chance to embed ethical values at the very core of their culture.

Customers are increasingly loyal to brands that align with their personal values. Transparency, fairness, and community involvement are not just “nice to haves”—they are strategic assets. Leaders who model integrity and openness build trust, and trust fuels long-term customer relationships and sustainable growth.

Navigating Rapid Growth: From Doer to Enabler

Startups often experience fast, sometimes overwhelming, growth. Cummins advises that as teams expand, founders and managers must evolve from “doers” into “enablers.” This shift means spending less time micromanaging and more time supporting others to take the lead.

Even as the structure becomes more complex, strong leaders protect the startup’s original spirit by modeling the behaviors and values that defined its early days. The faster a business scales, the more grounded its leadership must become. “The more you grow, the more you need to lift,” Cummins explains.

Everyday Leadership: It’s Not About the Title

Perhaps one of the most powerful elements of The Leadership Route is its message that leadership is not about position—it’s about intention and practice. Cummins aims to dispel several common myths about leadership, including the idea that it requires dominance, charisma, or always having the right answers.

True leadership, he argues, is often quiet and collaborative. It’s about creating an environment where others feel safe to contribute, take risks, and grow. It means admitting mistakes, being open to feedback, and influencing rather than controlling.

Leadership, he says, is not about being in the spotlight—it’s about creating the spotlight for others.

Developing Leadership at Any Stage

Leadership is not innate—it can be developed. Professionals at any career stage can begin by adopting practical habits: listening with empathy, communicating clearly, responding with curiosity rather than judgment. By practicing humility, seeking mentorship, and lifting others, individuals build leadership capacity within themselves and their organizations.

And for small business owners, investing in leadership—whether through training, mentoring, or even simple peer feedback—is one of the best ways to ensure long-term resilience. It’s not about having all the answers, but about cultivating a team that can adapt, solve problems, and lead alongside you.

Conclusion: A Call to Rethink Leadership

The Leadership Route presents a refreshing and deeply practical roadmap for small business leadership. It redefines leadership as something shared, inclusive, and deeply human—anchored not in hierarchy but in values, communication, and action.

Whether you’re a business owner, a team member, or simply someone who wants to grow, Cummins’ message is clear: leadership is not a title. It’s a practice. And in today’s unpredictable world, embracing that practice might just be a powerful competitive edge a small business can have.

Buy your copy of The Leadership Route: How Different Approaches to Management Can Shape a Leader, and start reading today!

Published by Mark V.