We can all agree – that the workplace is one environment where effective leadership is important. It definitely is the difference between success and failure. When I say leadership – it is so much more than management, assigning tasks, setting work direction and establishing goals. To me – it is a comprehensive responsibility which involves inspiring and motivating, giving confidence and encouragement, while also providing constructive feedback. Spending time and effect in managing relationships. – All while ensuring that all employees understand and share the organization’s long-term mission and goals.
I shared recently with a client that the first step in making this happen is to truly know yourself. Questions to ask yourself include:
- What leadership style do I have?
- Does my leadership style impact negatively on employees within the company?
- Do the decisions I make benefit the whole team or only a few?
- Does what I say as a leader match up with what I ask my team members to do?
Leading by example is one of the most important factors in becoming an effective workplace leader. How you conduct yourself as a leader will send out constant messages to your followers – for example, if you are walking throughout the your workplace with your head down and not acknowledging your employees, then your followers will be getting the message that you can’t be bothered about them or even know who they are. I actually confronted a senior department leader that did this. I asked him why is it that when he went to the cafe, that he walked with his head down and did not acknowledge a single employee. I jokingly asked, “Are you looking for a fifty dollar bill?” He told me he did not realize that he was doing that… I only pointed out what I felt like when I saw it.
Conversely, if you are familiar with your employees daily responsibilities and concerns and show that you recognize that each of them play an important part in the overall functioning of the organization, then this sends out the message that everyone on the team is valued. One of my first tasks with a new group was for me to work along side to learn as much as I could about what me people were doing.
Attributes that I share that make an effective workplace leader:
- Team-building skills – recognition and acknowledgement are two of the most powerful motivators in human behavior. A simple thing like giving credit where it is due, shares it around the team and rewards followers for their contribution will build a more cohesive and successful team.
- Flexible leadership style – an effective leader is one who can adapt their leadership style to suit different scenarios and different groups of people.
- Courage and determination – One size does not fit every situation, person or team. Effective workplace leaders have the confidence to stand behind what they believe in and the drive to inspire their team to overcome challenges.
- Open Mind – effective leaders take risks; challenging the status quo and instilling the same within their team.
- Integrity – leadership cannot succeed without trust and respect and these two can only be given when a leader shows great integrity and ethics.
- Good communication skills – This one can not be underscored, every other attribute will not work with this one. An effective leader will not only express himself/herself clearly and persuasively but will also be a good listener.
Spend a little time reflecting on your workplace and are you leading by example? Ask others (your team, boss or peer) for their thoughts. Don’t be afraid of reflection and feedback – it really makes you stronger.
Image via – Copyright: torimoo / 123RF Stock Photo
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