While leadership can be extremely rewarding, no one ever said that it was easy. It can seem like someone always has a problem with your leadership style no matter what you do. Even if some of the people you lead don’t always care for your decisions or a personality conflict exists, they should be able to respect and trust you. Below we explore four ways to improve your leadership skills to create a more harmonious environment for everyone.
Model the Behaviors and Actions You Want to See in Your Team
No one likes to feel like they work for a dictator who looks down on them. They will quickly become resentful and struggle to perform up to even basic job expectations. Rather than dictate, you need to be a good role model to earn the respect of those who report to you. Here are just a few ways you can achieve that:
- Treat others with respect the same way you want them to treat you.
- Take the high road and don’t engage in petty gossip or retaliatory behavior.
- Under-promise and over-perform whenever possible.
- Admit that you don’t have all the answers and occasionally need to ask for help.
Understand How to Motivate Employees
When you notice employees doing something especially well or going above the expectations of their position, be sure to thank them publicly. You might even consider offering the employee a small token of appreciation such as a gift card to a local coffee shop. Some other effective strategies to help motivate employees include:
- Offer a challenging but not overwhelming work environment.
- Give all employees one-on-one time to make them feel valued.
- Communicate often and in a transparent manner.
- Help each employee develop a career path and provide guidance on achieving each step.
Remain Open to Learning
No one could possibly have all the knowledge and skills they need, no matter how high they are on the company ladder. Taking a humble and open attitude towards ongoing learning sets a great example for your employees. Be sure to let them know when you’re taking a class or participating in a seminar and share what you learn with your team. You should also make it a point to identify and work on your weaknesses.
Trust Your Team to Resolve Issues
Much like parents of multiple children must sometimes step back and let them work out their differences, your team doesn’t always need you to solve problems for them. Unless the situation is urgent or requires input only you would have, let your team know that you have confidence in their ability to arrive at a solution and that you’re always available if they get stuck. Taking this approach helps employees build confidence because they know you trust them to find the best solution.
Schedule a Consultation with Business Partner Alliance for More Helpful Tips
We understand that effective leadership is hard work. Emory Ware, a small business consultant and owner of Business Partner Alliance, is available to meet with you now. He will help you identify leadership areas to improve on as you brainstorm together how to put these new practices into place. Please contact us today to learn more about our services or to request an appointment.
Emory Ware