It's not difficult to see that behind every successful company is a fantastic leader. Unfortunately, almost sixty percent of all companies lack good leaders. Of course, a lack of skill in this area can have a detrimental ripple effect across an organization. Studies have shown that thirty-seven percent of employees have quit their jobs owing to bad leadership.
Being great at anything doesn't happen overnight. You don't just wake up one day and become a world-renowned pianist or painter or writer or sports player. The same is true for being a great leader. Being a great leader is more of an art than a science, and anybody can become a better, more effective, and more successful leader with time, effort, and persistence. You can begin helping your team by supporting them in the right way. Read on to find out more.
Look At The Big Picture
Busy leaders are often pressed for time. You're in charge of meetings, issue resolution, and moving work through the pipeline. However, as a leader, you must also take a step back from the day-to-day to concentrate on the horizon; new possibilities and innovations that will help your business achieve and surpass its objectives. They will also allow you to support your employees more since you'll be growing the business and giving them the equipment and tools they need to do more and be better, whether that's cleanroom consulting, ergonomic chairs, or more freedom to make their own decisions.
Be Decisive
When the moment comes to make a choice, do so decisively. Great leaders are self-assured and confident, and they do not back down once they commit to a course of action – unless, of course, they need to for the benefit of their business. You'll discover that your workers are instinctively attracted to someone who exudes self-assurance, especially during difficult circumstances. They will trust you, and you will have a good team behind you.
Prioritize The Important Things
Make a list of your main priorities and keep it visible. Say no to distractions and extra work, and yes to everything that helps you cross off your priorities. Sure, you can keep track of apparently little things at the same time, as long as they don't get in the way of your real goals.
When you can prioritize more, you'll find that more gets done, and the smaller things that aren't quite so important and are distracting can be done when you're feeling good about completing bigger tasks. When your team sees you being so productive, they will want to do the same.
Build On Your Strengths
You are aware of your own strengths. Make the most of them by taking on initiatives and activities that allow you to show off your real abilities. Your key talents will set you apart from the crowd, enabling you to develop your own distinct brand.
You can also allow – and help – your team to build on their strengths. Give them advice, praise, send them on training days to enhance their skills, and ensure they are doing jobs that play to what they do best.