Determining what is necessary to be an effective and respected leader can be a daunting task. You have to understand what qualities a great leader has and how you can achieve them yourself. You really need to know everything that goes into making a great leader.
Do not assume that your team are mind-readers. Clearly communicate expectations if you want tasks to be carried out correctly. Maintain and open-door policy. If they don’t understand the instructions you give, they don’t need to hesitate about coming to you for help.
When you find yourself being a leader, put your focus on those working with you and watch how the work seems to follow. Know how to encourage and inspire your workers. Motivate your team instead of pushing them hard to complete everything.
If you’re leading other people you should take the time to let them know what they mean to you. Recognizing someone’s contribution only requires a minute and can greatly improve that person’s morale. That little acknowledgement can brighten a day, and lift a mood, and costs you nothing.
Be as approachable as possible. Some people think that intimidating people is the most effective way to let them know you are in control. It isn’t good, and you won’t have the respect of others. Communicate your availability to help employees sort through difficult issues and obstacles in their jobs.
Reward great work with incentives. Everyone may already have a salary, but small incentives make things a lot more fun and productive. Rewarding a hard-working employee is important. Good leaders do not hold back rewards.
Don’t let your mistakes get the best of you. If you make a mistake, learn from it and improve your strategies so you do not make the same mistake again. Now is the time to use what you have learned. You must act, believe and remain confident in your talents and ability to help.