There are many people in a leadership role that have no clue in what it truly means and are unwilling or unable to measure up to the responsibility that it requires to be a truly successful one. They get placed in the position without experience and immediately allow the title/position to go to their head therefore failing from right out of the gate. This is where I feel so bad for their subordinates.
Manage your emotions. Your emotions give you energy. If
they're low, your energy is low; if they're running high, you feel
positive and optimistic. To be at your best as a leader, manage your
emotions--when you do, you manage your energy too. This a hard one and takes practice, practice and a lot more practice.
Become a great communicator. Discipline yourself to
understand what's happening around you by observing and listening. A
great leader is always a skilled communicator--not only as speaker but
as a listener, someone who stays focused and tuned in to the nuance of a
conversation. This is extremely important and probably the hardest to do for most to do. After all you are the boss, right? WRONG! You are the leader and the ones that you should be depending on have ideas and opinions that if you effectively listen you'll benefit most of the time and the subordinate will feel good about themselves and respect you more. You are on your way to building an ally and a strong team member.
Be part of the team. There's an acronym that says
"team" stands for Together Everyone Achieves More, and great leadership
comes from those who see themselves as part of a team, who are willing
to roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to support, help, guide
and mentor. I have seen too many leaders fail because their subordinates saw their leader unwilling to roll up their sleeves and pitch in to help when there was clear need for them to help get 'er done. They lost respect and the people resented them for their lack of help in the hard times.
Be quick to praise. Praise people often and openly. Let
others know when the work is well done, a job is completed with
excellence and the results are great. But when it comes to feedback
that's focused on development and growth, do it privately. It's likely
to feel like a negative assessment, and no wants to feel they're being
berated in public. Remember how good you feel when your boss, superior, leader praises you? When you get a little extra spring in your step and/or warm and fuzzy feeling. So does those that you are leading. So splash on the praise when appropriate and watch the pride you helped generate! But remember, NEVER discuss improvements or negative things with the subordinate in front of anyone else.
***Get out of your office. Come in early to get your work
done while things are peaceful. Then, when everyone else arrives, get
out of your office and connect with people. It's an efficient way to
balance the demands of a leadership role, and people feel good about
their team when they can see a leader not only working hard but also
being available and accessible. It's a win-win. THIS IS A MUST DO!! When I was in management we called it MBWA.(management by walking around). Another benefit is after a while the people get comfortable and will tell and alert you to things they otherwise would not have done.
Hold people accountable. One of the biggest derailments
of leadership happens when people aren't held accountable. If
responsibility and accountability are important to you, don't let those
who are slacking get away with it. You gain respect by sticking to your
principles, and your team stays highly functional. It can't get better
than that. This is self-explanatory but I add this...... don't play favorites! ALL should be held accountable at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
There is a link provided at the beginning of this blog. I encourage you to read the other ways to be a better leader. Leading is like everything in life. Don't ever think you know it all and always strive to improve.
Remember, if the team fails it's time for a new leader.........................
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