Determining for yourself how to be a great leader is not easy. In addition to knowing what it necessary to be a successful leader, you must also be well disciplined in carrying out all tasks that need to be done. The what and how are not enough, as you must also master the why.
Let your team know what you expect. Try using the company’s mission to guide you and you should also put the company’s values into what you’re doing every day. It’s important that you let others know what the big picture is while you lead your team to do their best at the roles they’ve been assigned. This will also help you find a direction and build stronger connections within your team.
Learn how to delegate and focus on supporting your employees. Work on being inspiring and encourage those around you. It’s too easy to over-focus on micromanaging every project that must be completed. Focus more on helping your team to want to get things done without you needing to do that.
Make sure your team knows that you appreciate the work. It takes only a minute to write an appreciative note and it could be very meaningful to someone who has been working hard. And, the impact that they can have on morale – and by extension, productivity – can be dramatic.
One of the most important leadership characteristics is tenacity. When issues arise, the team will look to you for direction. Whatever obstacles may be in your way, keep your focus on the goal. Seeing how persistent you are is going to make the group more willing to work on the problems.
Avoid mistakes that turn you backwards. Mistakes must be made from time to time, so allow them to move you forward. Now is the time to take the advice you have been given and put it to good use. Leadership is all about believing in what you’re doing and acting like you know what you’re doing so you can help out others.
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