Whether you have recently stepped into a leadership position or have a few years of experience under your belt, there is always room for improvement. A good leader knows that growth and development need to occur on a regular basis. If they aren’t putting their best foot forward, how can they expect their team to do the same?
Are you ready to learn a few new things that can help you become a better leader? If so, take a look at these 6 proven tips that will enable you to become the best leader you can be!
#1 – Effective Communication is Key
If there is anything in life that is crucial, it’s communicating effectively. Getting your thoughts and comments communicated as you understand them can sometimes be difficult. Everyone may respond differently. It is up to you to figure out any potential breakdowns in communication and navigate through them.
Another thing to remember is that communication goes both ways. Listen closely and carefully to your team. Make sure that you and your team ask detailed questions so that important points can be made quickly and efficiently.
#2 – Set an Example for Others to Follow
It’s hard to be an effective leader and expect things of others that you may not follow yourself. If you come into the office late, are often disorganized, and are poor at planning, expecting the rest of your team to pick up the slack isn’t just poor leadership – it’s downright disrespectful.
A strong leader knows that they need to always lead by example. Don’t be afraid to jump in and get your hands dirty. Working alongside your team will show them you are accessible and committed to getting the job done.
#3 – Don’t Just Be a Boss
While a boss and a leader share some common traits, they are more different than alike. A boss will generally delegate tasks and spend most of their time keeping the ship afloat. On the other hand, a leader will keep the wheels spinning, but also constantly motivate their team to keep pushing further. They don’t settle for stagnation and are never afraid to share the accomplishments of others. Their belief is that it is everyone’s goal to grow, not go through the motions.
If you want respect, don’t be a micro-manager. Encourage your team to constantly be better than the day before but do so with poise. Your team will be more appreciative of your approach and will work harder to help everyone reach their goals.
#4 – Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations
One thing all highly successful leaders have in common is their ability to make their expectations and boundaries very clear. As a result, there is little to no miscommunication. Everyone is understanding of their role and what is expected of them. Good leaders not only set expectations for their team but also for themselves as well.
If you want to be a true leader and keep everyone on the same page, you need to follow suit. Be upfront and make sure that everyone understands what their responsibilities are and how their performance will be measured. Make sure you go the extra mile and let your team know the expectations you have set for yourself. It will hold you accountable and earn you more respect, all of which are essential to becoming a stronger leader.
#5 – A Good Mentor Goes a Long Way
No matter how much you would like to believe it, you don’t always know everything about anything. There is someone out there that understands something better that you, especially when it comes to being a respected leader. If you want to continually improve, grow, and become your best yet, having a mentor is the only way to get there.
A mentor is someone who has walked the path that you want to travel. They can often give you advice and direction that others cannot. Listen to them speak on their experience and learn to lean on them when facing any difficult situations. You will be taught things that money can’t buy, and that alone is worth more than its weight in gold.
#6 – Don’t Confuse Business with Productivity
As a leader, it’s important to set and example and instill a mindset with your team that being busy does not necessarily equate to being productive. In a recent podcast, author Tim Ferris recently told Salesforce the following:
“You can confuse being busy with being productive and trick yourself very easily. Focus first and foremost on the things that you do, the targets, not just being very fast and efficient at doing those things.”
It’s Now or Never
Now that you’ve read through some amazing leadership tips, it’s time to start taking action. Implement these tips today to become a newer and better you! You’ll not only become a well-rounded leader, but you will also grow professionally and personally. No matter how you slice it, the effort is well worth the reward.
