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As a leader, the productivity and profitability of your business are dependent on your team. This means that, by extension, they are dependent on your ability to lead your team effectively. Whatever the size and nature of your business, and whatever audience your business is trying to target, your fate in this turbulent time is intrinsically linked to your team’s hard work, endeavor and willingness to go the extra mile to represent your brand. Because your brand is more than just a logo or the color scheme on your web app. It’s a set of promises that you make to the consumer. And you cannot expect their loyalty if you’re unable to keep them.
You may assume that your ability to inspire and motivate your team is finite. That, for all your efforts, you can only exert so much control over their performance. Yet, in the world, of business we’ve seen time and again that leadership is the X-Factor. It is your value-added. Leadership makes all the difference. Whether your business is safe or imperiled depends largely on your leadership skills. As such, it’s in your best interests to familiarize yourself with these habits shared by many successful leaders...
They get up early
Getting up at 5am may not seem like the most appealing prospect. But it can make you a happier, calmer, more collected and more effective leader. Think about it! How effective can you really be if your day begins by dashing out of your front door with a thermos full of coffee in one hand, your car keys in the other and a rapidly cooling piece of toast clamped between your teeth. Many effective leaders get up at times that may seem outlandishly early. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz rises at 4:30 every morning. Richard Branson is always up and out of bed before 6am. Apple CEO Tim Cook is always up and about by 3:45am.
An early start allows you to make a more leisurely start to your day. It gives you the time to exercise and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before hitting the shower. It’s easier to be at your best when your mind and body are nourished and energized.
They find ways to make the mundane and ordinary fun
If both the UK and US versions of The Office have taught us anything, it’s that the David Brents and Michael Scotts of this world are not the most effective leaders. Why? Because they are more concerned with making people laugh than getting the job done.
Still, that’s not to say that leaders with a dry and dull approach are any more effective. Using jokes and games as ice breakers not only help your team relax into their work, they can actually make them much more engaged. Take a look at brightful.me for some fun games to integrate into your next Zoom meeting. You may be surprised by just how much more readily conversation and ideas flow.
They read voraciously
There’s no such thing as too much learning. And in the world of business, everything is a potential resource. Which is why many of our wealthiest and most successful leaders and entrepreneurs are also voracious leaders. Warren Buffet famously reads up to 500 pages every year. Bill Gates and Oprah are also known for their insatiable and omnivorous reading habits. As well as providing a source of practical knowledge and insights, the act of reading helps you to feel more engaged and prolific in your work.
Struggling to find the time to read? Audiobooks can be a great way to consume books while you’re driving to work, on the treadmill or enjoying a few minutes of meditative solitude on your lunch break.
They trust their employees
You’re passionate about doing things your way. And that’s perfectly fine. Your single-mindedness and determination are part of what make your business great. But be wary of the fine line between maintaining rigorous standards and being the kind of micromanager that rolls up their sleeves and does their employees’ job for them. Not only is this rarely a good use of your time, it can inhibit your employees’ growth. Your employees need to be able to learn from their mistakes, and to create their own opportunities to grow at their own pace in their own ways.
They look after themselves in mind and body
Finally, every leader worth their salt knows the dangers of burnout. They understand their limitations, and the importance of looking after themselves in mind and body. They exercise regularly, they eat their veggies, they keep themselves hydrated, they get plenty of sleep at night, and they understand that working smart always trumps working hard.
Simply put, you can’t be a great leader if you don’t take care of yourself.