Learning how to be a good leader can greatly impact the success of your team, your organization and yourself.
To be an effective leader, you must understand your own motivations, strengths and weaknesses.
"I think a great leader is one who makes those around them better," Dana Brownlee, founder of Professionalism Matters, told Business News Daily. "There are many litmus tests for a great leader, but I really look to those around them: Are they growing, becoming better leaders themselves, motivated, etc.?"
We spoke with CEOs, directors and leadership experts to learn what those leadership strategies are and how you can incorporate them.
1. Engage in honest, open communication:
One of the most important elements of effective leadership is creating an open line of communication with your team members.
Your own honesty and transparency should serve as an example for your team members.
Displaying active communication skills and transparency can build trust among your team and improve overall morale.
2. Connect with your team members:
Leading a group of people requires a mutual sense of trust and understanding between the leader and their team members. To achieve this, leaders should learn to connect.
To build a connection with each of your team members, focus on getting to know their personality, interests, strengths, weaknesses, hobbies and preferences. This can give you insight into their goals and motivations.
3. Encourage personal and professional growth:
Acting as your team's cheerleader is an important part of being an effective leader. You should be invested in their success and growth.
Leaders should set aside a budget, if only a small one, to dedicate to the growth of their employees.
With options as varied as on-demand, virtual [and] in-person options, there's ample opportunity to continue learning new skills or further developing existing ones, in addition to investing in your employees' growth financially, you should invest emotionally.
4. Keep a positive attitude:
As much as leaders wish their team's day-to-day operations could run smoothly all the time, they're bound to run into the occasional obstacle. Whether it's a minor miscommunication or a major error, the way you handle a negative situation says a lot about your leadership skills.
Focusing on solutions, rather than problems, can help your team maintain positive engagement. "A positive environment is more likely to create a more engaged and productive workforce. By displaying enthusiasm and confidence, a good leader will see the impact that they can have in their working environment.
5. Teach employees instead of giving orders:
[If you are] controlling people to do certain things in certain ways, you're not going to get the level of engagement that you're looking for, he said. "Coaching is about helping the people you lead recognize the choices they have in front of them. People will [then] take a great deal of ownership over the direction of the project.
6. Set clear employee goals and expectations:
Setting clear goals and employee expectations for your team is key to employee success. When setting these objectives, encourage employee questions and feedback. Including them in the process can increase engagement.
Don't let team member goals go static. Periodically revisit goals to modify or rearrange them as needed. This will let your team members know that you are present and aware of what they are working on.
7. Give direct feedback about performance:
Taso Du Val, CEO and founder of the Toptal freelance talent network, said direct, honest feedback – even if it's criticism – is the best way to guide your team in the right direction. You also need to know exactly where your business is headed so you can give them the right advice.
In addition to providing constructive feedback and performance reviews, highlight employee accomplishments. If a team member does something great, let them know. Celebrate their wins and thank them for their hard work.
Remember that being a good leader takes time. Although some individuals are naturally inclined to have good leadership skills, it is something anyone can learn and improve upon. With hard work, dedication and strategic planning, you can lead your team to success.
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