Leadership is considered one of the most critical facets of any business professional today. Companies could once rely on a top-down, authoritarian stance where workers could be told just to be grateful they had jobs. This approach is ill-suited for today’s post-pandemic climate. Business professionals are expected to step up as leaders, both inside and outside the office.
Of course, not all “leaders” are equally effective. The most effective leaders are the ones that embody specific traits, beliefs, and visions that are positive, supportive, and contagious.
Here are a few tips to help you dramatically increase your effectiveness as a leader while enjoying greater fulfillment in your work and life:
1. Get clear on your vision.
If you haven’t done the work to crystallize your inner vision for your career, company, and employees, it’s impossible to communicate that vision to the people who can help turn it into reality.
This may mean you need to spend some time each day journaling and reflecting to discover the values and goals that drive you.
Introspection is hard work, and it requires the ability to be brutally honest with yourself. No one is born a great leader. It can take quite a while to fine-tune your vision, especially if you’re doing it without the help of a professional mentor or coach.
2. Don’t “put on a mask.”
It can be tempting to put on a “hero” facade to reassure everyone that things are under control in uncertain times like these. This isn’t what today’s employees are looking for, though. They know that even the most stable organizations can’t offer true security – after all, no one predicted the disastrous effects of the pandemic three years ago.
Instead, they’re looking for you to connect with them on a real, vulnerable level. Be open and honest about your successes and challenges. To feel empowered to take responsibility for the company’s success, employees need to know that potential failure will be met with understanding and encouragement, not blame and punishment.
3. Walk the talk.
The business world is riddled with examples of business “leaders” who talk at length about integrity and values but whose own actions don’t reflect the principles they espouse. There are few more efficient ways to lose the trust of your team than by proselytizing values and beliefs that don’t manifest in your work and home life.
Of course, no one’s actions are congruent with their stated values 100% of the time. When that happens, it’s essential to acknowledge and accept the gap and show your employees that you are taking proper growth steps.
Ready to become the leader you deserve to be?
If you’re ready to step up and thrive in today’s demanding business world as a stand-out leader, connect with one of our experts today.