You’re looking to be a leader that people want to follow. You’re in the right place.
This article was written to give guidance to those that are about to become leaders, are leaders, or have the drive to want to become a leader one day.
I’ve read countless books, interviewed people, and spent years trying to uncover what type of leader I want to be.
I’ll cover a variety of different characteristics I feel are important in your journey to becoming a leader that people want to follow.
Listen First, Then Speak Wisely
It’s important to always be the listener first.
Those that report to you want you to hear what they have to say.
Be an active listener and engaged while they are speaking. Being a great listener is often difficult. It involves eye contact and gestures to show that you hear what they are saying like nodding or tilting your head.
Do not pick up your phone or check an email. Every single person matters. You should be humble and respectful of others taking the time to share anything with you.
Any small annoyance that you have will been seen. Take a deep breath and have patience.
While you are listening, you are forming an appropriate response in your head. If the employee is bringing many different things to you, ask if it’s alright with them if you write some notes while they are speaking.
At the end of their side of things, you address each of their concerns. You may not have the right answer at the moment, and that’s ok. Let them know that you hear what they are saying.
Personally, I like to repeat what we’ve gone over at the end of every conversation. This lets the employee know that I’ve heard each of their concerns or comments and I take each one seriously.
Acknowledge Everyone
No one is above or beneath you when it comes to acknowledging people. Everyone wants to feel that they are seen and you should give a nod, smile, and/or hello to anyone that you pass. Others will appreciate and notice this. If you’re better at remembering names than I am, acknowledge who you pass by name. A smile and a nod hello works too!
If you see someone drop something and you don’t help pick it up, you are going to be that lady that wouldn’t bend down to help someone in need. You need to be overly helpful in public and in private. Your actions demonstrate how you expect others to behave.
Be Knowledgeable
I do not feel as though you can ask others to do a job that you do not understand. Not only do you need to know how to complete the tasks they are asked to do, you need to know how to do it just as well or better than the employee you have doing it.
You also try to implement change and technology advancement where you see fit. Knowing each position underneath you will help you understand their day-to-day tasks and where help is needed.
If there are positions underneath you that you are not clear about, ask to spend a day or week with that person training. Training is something you love to do!
Honestly, everything in today’s world can be found on YouTube. Spend some time educating yourself on systems or processes you are unsure of.
In order to make jobs easier or advance them with technology, you need to know the work the people are doing and get feedback. Training in a department or with a single person for a day or short period of time will help you understand where improvements could possibly be made.
To Be A Leader, You Need To Show Up
Be present.
If you are showing up late and leaving early, your employees will either feel that is an appropriate way to act or begin to have resentment. Again, you need to act the same or better than you expect your employees to behave. Perks often come with higher up positions. Although these are offered to us, we need to show that we respect the rules and do not take advantage.
The last thing you need is something like showing up on time or leaving early to impact what others think of you. Do not lose respect.
Empathy
When an employee is upset about something that is not fair, you need to show that you empathize with them even if you do not agree.
Do not brush anything off that is important to one of your employees. You want to try to be understanding of why something may frustrate them. The initial goal is to calm down the employee and let them get out everything that they want to say.
Depending on the situation, you may have to involve your Human Resources department but do not involve others that may make it seem like you are “attacking” this employee during their weakest time.
After you have shown compassion and the employee has calmed down, it is now time to let them know your side of things. You may have to get back to them after you’ve researched. The point of this section is to say that you can’t always be a hard ass.
Be Optimistic
Nobody wants to work for a grumpy person.
You’re the person who says good morning to all and has a slight smile on her face, even on rainy days. When something is changing or your company is implementing something new, you’re the person that is eager to get it rolling out as you have faith it will make things better. You’re open to trying anything that will improve the environment or day to day tasks.
You’re the first one to say “We can totally do that!” and get your hands dirty trying it out. You are a delegator once things have been figured out, but you’re on the front line pushing the drive for change when there’s something new.
Be Humble
Your department or building or group did something fantastic and it’s gone all the way up to corporate and they would like to recognize you!
Make sure you recognize those on your team that stepped up and made the awesome thing happen.
You are never a one woman show. You have the right support and your employees are shining stars. It’s important to appear to almost take the backseat when it comes to recognition. Shining the light on your staff will in turn shine an even brighter light on you.
Decisiveness
You may not always make the right decisions, but you make decisions.
I’ve met so many people scared to make a decision. I’m not sure if they are scared of failing or scared to look bad in front of their peers.
Constantly, decisions in the workplace have to be made. I’ve made a lot of decisions that were incorrect. I accept and even announce that the decision was a poor one on my part.
I also make it clear that we’re going to pivot and move in another direction after that bad decision. However, I would never call anyone else out and tell them that the decision they made was poor as long as the decision was made with good intentions.
I want to empower people to use their minds and make decisions for themselves without being scared of the repercussions.
If you avoid making decisions, that will radiate onto the people that follow you and they will then avoid making decisions. There are occasions when I need some extra time to think and I’ll let people know to give time to review. I never try to make a rash decision, but I do try to make decisions in a timely manner.
Being known as a procrastinator is not something you want.
Be Motivational
Know how to motivate your group. A positive, energetic attitude helps.
You need to involve your staff in your goals and set expectations for them. I find that almost all the people that work in the company I work for are competitive. They want to be the best. When they do something spectacular, they want to be acknowledged. Brilliant is one of my favorite words to give people when I find them doing something extraordinary. “Kelly, you’re just brilliant today.”
I’m sure you have your own phrases and can come up with your own style of acknowledgement. The important thing is to acknowledge people who are exceeding expectations.
Know how to motivate your crowd. When you are giving speeches to groups, practice those ahead of time. Your tone of voice should be one of confidence and encouragement. When you’re speaking to a smaller group, keep the same enthusiastic tone and be sure to make eye contact and positive gestures such as smiling or nodding. Always ask for feedback.
You aren’t a pushover, but you give chances and have faith in people. When things aren’t going your way, you turn to encouragement and say that you know we can do better together. Everything is we – nothing is you, they or I.
Final Thoughts On How To Be A Leader
Finally, know that putting others feelings in front of your own isn’t always easy.
It’s not always easy to keep your cool.
Once you become a leader to others, you want to be a leader that they respect. You are human and make mistakes and own up to it. You are inspirational and eager for technology and change for the better.
Great article! This is a very concise but comprehensive guide to becoming a good leader. It covers a variety of characteristics that are essential for any aspiring leader to acquire. The tips mentioned, such as being a good listener, empathetic, and knowledgeable are very practical and valuable in the workplace. Overall, this article provides excellent guidance for those striving to become good leaders.
founder of balance thy life https://balancethylife.com