Certain studies have identified a good leader as someone who has qualities that include assertiveness, adaptability, intelligence and conscientiousness. However, a leader that is seen as transformational will always be the best. These are leaders that are described as positive, enthusiastic and genuine and are concerned about helping the whole team achieve its goals. So, how can you be a better leader in your organisation?
Understand your leadership style
There are a number of different ways that you can approach a leadership role. By assessing your skills and understanding your style, you will be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses before you start to improve. You can be more proactive and effective as a leader if you know how to counteract your weaknesses with your strengths.
Communicate effectively
In the workplace, being able to listen and communicate effectively with your colleagues and employees is a vital asset. Take time to provide one-on-one engagement, and you’ll be considered a leader that is sincere. By maintaining an open line of communication with your employees, they are more likely to approach you if they have a problem with their work. This way, you’ll be able to work together to overcome it rather than see your workforce decline.
Encourage and motivate
Transformational leadership is defined by intellectual stimulation. Encourage and motivate employees to express their creativity by offering new challenges and support to achieve their goals. Be a democratic leader by letting the members of your team know that their input is important, something that has been proven to lead to greater commitment and more creativity. This also goes hand in hand with offering effective rewards and recognition for the work that your employees have completed. It has been proven that this keeps employees happy and, at the end of the day, happy employees make for a more productive workplace.
Know the importance of introspection
As a leader, you’ll regularly analyse the behaviour of others, but it is also important to analyse yourself. Regular introspection will allow you to identify the skills you believe you need to improve as well as teaching you how to be centred, energised and balanced. After all, these are the things will make for a better leader.
Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes
This may seem unusual, but making mistakes is a vital part of being a better leader. Not only do they give you an insight on how to avoid similar problems in the future but they allow you to show your employees that, after all, you’re only human. By being transparent with yourself and admitting your mistakes, you will earn respect in the workplace and build a culture of trust. Doing this will also make you stand out as a role model and, by exemplifying the behaviours you wish to see in your business, your employees will follow suit.
Invest in professional leadership and management training with Frosch Learning. This course will teach you essential skills such as how to manage objectives, motivate individuals, work with other departments and undertake your role effectively.