Devon is a region shaped by tradition, resilience, and strong community values — but its business landscape is changing. From Exeter’s expanding professional services to the persistent pressures on rural enterprises, leaders across Devon are navigating an evolving environment that demands greater adaptability, self-awareness, and long-term thinking.
This post explores how personal and team-focused leadership development strategies can address the unique leadership challenges of doing business in Devon. Whether you’re heading up a growing enterprise or managing change within a close-knit team, this is a moment to reflect and lead more intentionally.
1. Why Leadership Development Matters in Devon
Devon is home to over 55,000 small businesses, many of which are embedded in their local communities (source). These businesses often grow out of passion, family ties, or a desire to make a positive local impact. But because of this deep local focus, leadership development can sometimes take a back seat.
That’s a risk. Businesses across Devon are now facing new pressures — talent shortages, the cost of living crisis, digital transformation, and evolving employee expectations. Without robust leadership at the helm, these pressures can cause stagnation or burnout.
Investing in personal leadership development is no longer optional. It’s the foundation for resilient, sustainable businesses. Strong leadership fosters purpose, clarity, and innovation — all of which are essential for long-term success in a region like Devon.
2. Self-Awareness: A Hidden Advantage
Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. In a region like Devon, where trust and reputation matter deeply, being aware of how you show up as a leader is more than just a personal trait — it’s a business asset.
A report from the Centre for Creative Leadership found that leaders with greater self-awareness are more effective and better able to manage teams through change. They are also more trusted — a vital currency in close-knit communities.
Developing self-awareness could involve:
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Reflecting regularly on your leadership style
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Seeking honest feedback from peers or employees
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Working with a leadership coach to uncover blind spots
As you grow in self-awareness, you’ll find greater alignment between your values and actions — a crucial step in creating an ethical, values-driven culture. You may like to check out our article on developing The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Leadership Success: Unlocking Team Potential
3. From Solo Performer to Team Leader
Many leaders in Devon began as excellent individual contributors — technical experts, entrepreneurs, or founders. But leading a team requires a shift in identity: from doer to enabler.
This transition is one of the most common leadership challenges in the region, especially among small businesses experiencing growth. Strong team leadership means learning to:
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Share responsibility and delegate effectively
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Communicate vision and strategy
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Support others’ development journeys
A team that is aligned and empowered becomes a multiplier of your impact. Tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) or behavioural profiling tools like Insights Discovery can help teams work with clarity and purpose, while also boosting mutual understanding.
4. Leading Through Economic and Cultural Change
Devon’s economy is diversifying. While agriculture, tourism, and construction still play key roles, Exeter is seeing growth in tech, sustainability, and professional services. The Heart of the South West LEP outlines ambitious goals for inclusive growth, digital infrastructure, and net-zero leadership — but local businesses still face challenges, particularly post-COVID and amid inflationary pressures.
As a result, leaders must now be more agile and open to change than ever before. Leadership in this climate isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about navigating uncertainty, staying grounded in values, and remaining responsive.
Ask yourself:
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How do I help my team feel secure during ambiguity?
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Am I creating a culture where mistakes can be learned from?
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Do I take time to reflect before reacting?
This kind of thinking is the hallmark of adaptive leadership, and it’s increasingly essential in Devon’s evolving economy.
5. Coaching with Local Insight
Leadership coaching can provide invaluable support — especially when tailored to the Devon context. The dynamics here are different from London or Manchester. Leaders often know their employees personally. Family and friendship lines blur. Decisions aren’t just about profit; they’re about people, place, and principle.
That’s why coaching that takes local culture into account can be particularly effective. A good coach will:
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Help you think through tough decisions with clarity
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Support you in aligning leadership with your values
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Provide space for honest reflection and challenge
Unlike generic leadership advice, coaching rooted in self-awareness and community context can help you develop your leadership in a way that’s both personally authentic and locally relevant. Check out our article on: Solving Exeter’s Business Challenges with Tailored Leadership Training
6. Embedding Leadership into Culture
Your leadership style has a ripple effect. The way you communicate, prioritise, and handle setbacks sets the tone for your team. To create a lasting impact, leadership shouldn’t just be something you think about once a year. It should be built into your organisation’s rhythm.
Practical ways to do this include:
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Holding monthly leadership reflections or team discussions
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Introducing profiling tools like Insights Discovery to deepen self-knowledge
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Encouraging all team members to create their own development plans
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Modelling vulnerability by sharing your own leadership lessons
These practices help move your business from reactive to proactive — where leadership becomes part of your culture, not just your hierarchy.
Final Reflection
The leadership challenges of doing business in Devon are complex — but they also create the perfect conditions for authentic, grounded, and forward-thinking leadership to emerge.
By investing in leadership development, deepening self-awareness, and embracing leadership coaching, Devon-based leaders can rise to the occasion and create businesses that are not just profitable — but also purposeful, resilient, and rooted in values.
If you’re ready to explore how your leadership could evolve to meet the needs of your business, team, or community, I invite you to visit The Ethical Leader — where we offer grounded, values-based leadership support for professionals across Devon. Or get in touch and contact us today.