4 Tips To Better Your Leadership Style & A Step-By-Step Guide
It’s easy to sit in your office and tell your team what to do for the day.
But ask yourself, are you creating any positive impact on your team this way?
The dictionary defines the term “leadership” as the action of leading an organization or a team. But the true essence of leadership can never be captured in a single sentence.
It’s the art of initiating a positive change; it’s the quality to motivate people who look up to you to be their best version and follow your lead towards accomplishing a mutual goal. It doesn’t sound easy, does it?
Those are some big shoes to fill, and you’re not going to fit if you’re not devoted to improving your leadership style with time.
This brings up a common question — how do I better my current leadership style?
Don’t worry; here are four expert tips to help you become a better leader.
1. Communicate Openly – It’s Important
As per the words of George Bernard Shaw, “The single biggest mistake while communicating is the sheer illusion that it has taken place successfully.”
Every great leader understands the importance of enabling an open line of honest, straightforward communication with their team.
Your team represents you, and they tend to follow your lead through thick and thin. So why not utilize this opportunity to set ethical behaviors as the norm?
Give constructive feedback, and be very clear about what’s what. Recognize the improvements, and help improve the errors. It also makes room for radical transparency among your team and boosts morale.
2. Build Deep Connections With Your Team
One of the much-needed qualities every ideal leader has is that they’re great at connecting with people. You cannot lead a group of folks with whom you don’t share mutual understanding and trust – no matter how.
“Every true leader needs to be more human, for which they need to have a strong purpose, be positive, humble and compassionate, ” said leadership consultant/author Terry St. Marie. “If you’re blessed with these qualities, you’re already on your path to build genuine connections with your members.”
Here’s what you should do:
Always try to learn about your team member’s strengths and weaknesses.
Also, you can ask about their interests, hobbies, and tastes to get a gist of their personality.
This process helps in understanding an individual’s motivations and goals.
3. Personal & Professional Growth – Both Are Necessary
To improve as a team leader, you must invest your time and effort in every member’s personal and professional success. Leap further and prepare a considerable budget for the in-depth training.
Here’s something you can do:
You should always encourage your team members to participate and learn new in-demand skills, as it helps expand their knowledge and capabilities.
Besides, also empower your team further by providing opportunities to develop their existing skills.
Not just that – you should also be emotionally invested in your team’s growth. Keep inspiring your team and motivating them to take on tough challenges head-on. You’ll be surprised how wonderful it all pays off in the end.
4. Don’t Just Lay Out Orders – Teach Your Team
There’s a fine line between a great leader and a cunning dictator, which is visible by how you approach the people you’re supposed to lead.
Things you need to keep in mind:
Do not try to control or bark orders at them – that’s the worst harm you can cause them and yourself.
Always stay present as a proactive coach who strives to help students recognize what’s best for them.
Never forget — your team is always looking up to you for higher learning and decision-making. Good leaders are hungry for a high level of engagement with their members, created by teaching and mentoring, not controlling.
Summing It Up
The formula is simple — Communicate + Connect + Motivate + Teach = Become a better leader.
Although evolving as a leader isn’t an overnight task, staying focused and regularly utilizing these four tips mentioned above will help you reach your goal sooner.
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