There must be some reason why certain people in leadership roles lead their teams better than others. Said another way, if two equally skilled leaders get the opportunity to lead the same team, why does one get significantly more results than the other?
- What makes a great leader?
- What are the qualities that define true leadership?
- How do good leaders inspire their employees to greater heights?
Being able to answer these questions is important if you want to become a better business leader, so with that said, let’s take a closer look.
1) Team up with the Team
It sounds obvious, but must be said.
If you are in the fortunate position of leading a team, make sure to team up and become part of the team.
Just because you are a leader does not excuse you from taking on responsibilities as any other member of the team would too.
Leaders are never alone. Do your best to invite as many perspectives into the discussion and decision-making processes as you can.
2) Demonstrate your Gratitude
This is a big one, but so often overlooked.
Show your gratitude and say thank you to your employees.
Here’s why.
Many studies have been done on the power of a thanks given from a leader to his or her employees.
It often increases productivity.
A little gratitude can really help extend your authority as a leader, so don’t hold back. Show your appreciation for a job well done. It’s a win-win for all involved.
3) Lead with your Principles
Never lose sight of your principles. Keep them close to your chest.
Lead with honesty, even if being honest is the most uncomfortable of options available to you.
Never make a decision you’re not comfortable with and will most like regret later. Others may not have a similar level of morality, but it’s your call to make as a leader, not theirs.
4) Be Consistent with Your Sincerity
Sincerity plays a major role in leadership.
The people you lead may come to you at some stage with professional, or personal related problems. Their problems should be listened to and addressed in a consistent manner.
It may be easy to brush off a problem when it’s not the most important matter, however, your team members will feel better about you being the leader if you sincerely listen to and do all you can to solve their problems.
5) Provide Effective Training
If you are rolling out a new business process, train your employees effectively.
That new business process might look great on paper, but if your team members receive insufficient, or worse, no training, it will inevitably cost you money down the road.
Do your research.
Hire outside help if need be, as they often bring a fresher perspective to the table than in-house training that ensures your employees receive the right kind of training to get the job done.
6) Distribute Promotions and Bonuses Fairly
Promotions, bonuses and raises should always be fairly distributed and based on merit.
Don’t simply promote the person who has been working with you the longest, or take the nepotism route by handing out the biggest salary increase to a family member.
Your employees will be more motivated when they know they can earn tangible praise or rewards based on the qualities of their work, not on who they happen to know, or be related to.
In summary: Becoming a better leader in the workplace becomes much easier when you apply the 6 ways we have spoken about above, but here’s just one final insight,
7) Improve Your Leadership Skills
Once you become a leader, do not make the mistake of resting on your laurels and believing your job is done.
While you find yourself climbing the rungs of the corporate ladder, there are many more to come, each with their own set of unique challenges, so stay sharp. Keep reading keep learning.
You have to work hard every day to show and prove to people that you deserve to be and more importantly, to stay where you are… at least until your next leadership promotion.
If you are in a leadership position, there is a lot relying on your success as an effective leader. It is time to step up and be the best leader you can be as possible.
Using these 7 Ways to Become a Better Business Leader may make the difference between you being a mediocre leader that nobody want to follow, or a great one that everybody wants to know.
Take action right now, even if you don’t feel ready… You will be glad you did!
"Surround yourself with people who lift you higher. What material success does is provide you with the ability to concentrate on other things that really matter. And that is being able to make a difference, not only in your own life, but in other people's lives."