30 WESTERN PALLET
How Company Size Influences Leadership and Management
In the smallest wood product manufacturers, leadership and management often fall to the same person. Owners juggle strategy, operations, sales, and employee development. This overlap can be effective but also overwhelming, making delegation and structured management increasingly important as a company grows.
In slightly larger businesses, leadership and management begin to separate more clearly. Owners may focus on business development and strategy while plant managers handle day-to-day operations. At the medium-sized level, specialized roles emerge, with designated leadership teams overseeing long-term vision while managers ensure productivity and process efficiency.
For small and medium businesses, here are some additional factors to consider:
Adaptability: Market shifts, supply chain disruptions, and new technologies require leaders who can set a vision for change and managers who can implement it effectively.
Communication: Strong communication ensures that leadership goals translate into actionable plans that managers and employees can follow.
Employee Development: Leaders inspire personal and professional growth, while managers create opportunities for skill-building and efficiency.
Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and continuous improvement can help small manufacturers stay competitive.
Both leadership and management are essential to running a successful wood products manufacturing business. Finding the right balance between vision and execution is what ultimately moves companies forward.
WPM
Many company leaders have both leadership and management responsibilities. In smaller firms, the owner will wear both hats.