What Small Businesses Can Learn from Best-Led Companies (and It’s Not About Money)

Glassdoor released its list of the Best-Led Companies for 2025, and it’s fascinating. These are

companies that appear to be thriving in today’s unpredictable business environment.

They looked at how employees rated their companies, focusing on leadership factors like CEO performance, senior management, the number of ratings from employees, the quality of the ratings, and the consistency of the reviews.

The number one best-led company on the list? NVIDIA. What set them apart is more than cutting-edge tech or innovation. Employees described their leadership as groundbreaking, caring, and agile.

And the rest of the top companies had similar traits: vision-led, caring, value-led, supportive, ethical, empowering, growth-minded, inclusive, proven, agile, and people-first. Notice there’s no mention of “big budgets” or “expensive perks.”

The Misconception: “We Can’t Compete”

Many small and mid-sized business owners believe they can’t compete with the big players - the ones who can afford higher pay, more vacation, expensive leadership programs, extra bonuses, and such.

But here’s the thing: the best-led companies topping Glassdoor’s list are recognized for how they lead, not what they spend. The qualities that make them stand out are about vision, values, and leadership behaviour. And that’s something small businesses can absolutely take on.

How Small Businesses Can Lead Like the Best (Without Big Budgets)

Adopt a long-term, strategic mindset.

Start by thinking long-term. What’s your business really here to do? What’s your vision, your purpose, your “why”? What values do you want to be known for; who do you strive to be?

Once you’ve got that nailed down, live it every day. Make decisions, have conversations, and build your team around that purpose. Hold yourself (and others) accountable to it. When you say you value respect, transparency, or teamwork, show it every day. Don’t accept mediocrity or behaviors that contradict your purpose, vision, and values.

Be intentional about your leadership.

Leadership and effective management are about being real, fair, and consistent. It’s about being transparent with your goals and challenges and communicating openly and often, especially about direction and changes. Give yourself time to reflect on how you manage and lead and to learn ways to grow these capacities.  

Build structure and trust.

People thrive in environments that feel predictable and safe. Establish clear roles, goals, SOPs, policies, and expectations. Give your people the tools, knowledge, and support they need to do their job well. Then, trust them to do their jobs. Stay close enough and be ready to guide, coach and redirect when needed. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, supported, and connected.

Empower and involve your team.

Involve employees in decision-making as much as possible. Give them a sense of purpose and room to grow. As noted above, support them with the tools and knowledge – which means, support their development with training, coaching, mentoring, and opportunities to stretch.

Foster connection and celebration.

Celebrate wins, big and small. Encourage laughter; have fun at work. Make time for team and social events that strengthen bonds, boost morale, and remind everyone why they’re there.

Focus on long-term health, not short-term wins

Don’t get caught up in short-term “wins” that may cause long-term headaches and turmoil in your business. Small businesses can learn from the best-led companies by playing the infinite game that builds a company with purpose for generations to come. This will pay dividends.

The Bottom Line: Leadership Is the Difference

The companies that made Glassdoor’s best-led companies list share one thing: strong, caring, vision-led, values-driven, consistent leadership. And that’s something every small and mid-sized business can build — without massive budgets.

When leaders invest in themselves and their people, the ripple effect is huge: more engagement and a healthier business overall which can translate into better customer service and better long-term business results.

If you want to strengthen your leadership, clarify your vision, or create a more purposeful workplace, and become a "best-led" business, we’re here to help.