How often have you heard someone say, “He or she is a born leader?” There are certain qualities found in some people that seem to naturally put them in a position where they’re looked up to as a leader. What qualities are those? Well, to be a highly effective leader, you must ..
1. Lead by Example
Get involved in what your team are doing. Don’t be afraid to do menial tasks and be part of the team. The more rapport you have with your team, the more you can inspire them to succeed. Don’t forget to have fun!
2. Have a good mix of players
Ensure you have the right mix of personalities within a team to share experiences and play on individual strengths. When delegating responsibility, people should be tasked with an area that matches their strengths. Get people to stick to what they feel comfortable with and they enjoy – you’ll get better results. Additionally, don’t just hire ‘yes people’, get some ‘why people’ involved to challenge what you’re doing and think outside the box
3. Share responsibility
Leadership is shared among the whole team with a variety of leadership styles encouraged. Make your team accountable for certain elements of the project to feel connected and invested in what you’re trying to achieve.
4. Communicate
Have regular team meetings. Open communication with team issues is vital for team growth. Managing conflict improves team performance and keeps everyone on track. Stay clear of the problem escalation and a domino effect.
5. Team Statements
Get your team to set team mission statements, goals, and vision and hold them accountable to these. The more investment a team has in a product or service the more they will be willing to work towards success.
6. Give and Seek Feedback
Provide your team with honest and open feedback. Feedback clarifies the team direction, helps evaluate team performance and strengthens leadership.
7. Mastermind your way to success
Meet weekly and have an open forum for brain-storming (or mind mapping) your product, sharing ideas, and discussing projects.
8. Praise Good Work
Give praise when you catch them doing the right thing, not just criticizing and place blame when something doesn’t go as planned. Don’t forget to say thank you if someone makes your job easier.
9. Take accountability
Your team by extension are a reflection of you and the way you manage. If things aren’t working out then look closer to home, review what you are doing and mix it up with a different approach.
10. Constant motivation and professional development
Try promoting team days, team away days, motivational seminars, refresher courses, strategy sessions, creative workshops, employee appreciation days help with this.
