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10 Tips To Lead Effectively
Word count for this issue: 638
- Approximate time to read: About 2.5 minutes @ 250 words per minute
Honest. Motivating. Well-respected. Humble. Fair. These are just a few of the words used by employees when describing an effective leader. Would your employees use any of these words to describe you?
Having been in the professional training industry for many years, I am often asked what constitutes a good leader. To help answer this question, I have put together a few tips that every good leader should follow.
10 Tips To Lead Effectively
1. Build Strong Relationships – Great leaders know the value of building solid relationships with their team. Know your people and what motivates them. By understanding their aspirations, you’ll be better able to help them achieve their goals. In turn, they will be more likely to want to meet yours.
2. Lead By Example – Want your staff to be punctual? Be on time each day. Want to be treated with respect? Speak respectfully to your team. Demonstrating professionalism is a far more successful approach than demanding it.
3. Be A Leader, Not A Boss – To elaborate on the point above, there’s a big difference between being an effective leader and bossing people around. It’s always important to establish that you are in charge. But don’t forget to give others on your team opportunities to shine. Your employees will not only gain more confidence in their abilities, but they will also value your support.
4. Surround Yourself With Talented People – No leader is strong in all areas. That’s why great leaders know the importance of surrounding themselves with a strong team. Be sure your group is made up of individuals who each contribute a unique level of expertise. Collectively, you’ll have a winning team.
5. Keep The Lines Of Communication Open – It goes without saying that good leaders must ensure they are heard and understood. But perhaps just as important is the ability to listen to what others on the team have to say. Remember, communication is a two-way street.
6. Use Meeting Time Wisely – Meetings are an effective way to communicate change and also ensure everyone is on the same page. But they can also be incredible time wasters if not managed properly. Stick to the topic at hand. Then trust in your team to follow through. The less micromanaging you do, the quicker and more productive your meetings will be.
7. Stay Positive – People are not perfect. Inevitably, there will be times when you will need to point out poor job performance. But great leaders know the value of acknowledging when people are doing things well. Focusing more on the positive will help people feel more appreciated for their efforts.
8. Set Boundaries – Being a fair leader does not mean being a pushover. Be sure to establish clear boundaries with your team and stick to them. Employees should know what is expected of them and what will not be tolerated.
9. Show Your Human Side – Never miss an opportunity to learn more about the people on your team. Show your interest by acknowledging employee birthdays and other special events. Participate in office gatherings or holiday parties. This shows that you value your team for who they are, as well as for the work that they do.
10. Never Stop Evolving – Great leaders are always looking for ways to improve. Whether it’s furthering your education, participating in management training seminars, or attending industry events, be sure to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in your field.
Executive Summary: Great leaders are always striving for new ways to master their leadership skills. Take the time to become acquainted with your staff. Be firm about your goals, but also be positive and treat your team with respect. This will go a long way in building a loyal team that will stand behind you as their leader.
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