Have you found yourself faced with opportunities to expand your role as a leader, but you’re unsure of what steps to take? As we come to the end of this year and look ahead at our goals for 2017, I hope becoming a better leader is one of them. Whether it’s at work or in your personal life, becoming a better leader is a lifelong process.
From growing your understanding of what good leadership looks like to knowing what type of leader you want to be, you can continue to evolve as a leader. You don’t have to have a fancy spot in the C-Suite to be a good leader, in fact – some of the best leaders have learned from experience and know just how to put ideas into action. Want to motivate your team and be seen as a role model? Here are six simple ways to be a better leader.
6 Simple Ways to Be a Better Leader
#1. Get to know the members of your team. This is so important. When you take the time to know the people you work with, you’ll gain an incredible understanding of how to motivate and inspire. As a leader you’re a servant of the people – meaning, if you elevate the people who work with you, they will showcase your excellent leadership. Keep your people happy and you’re team will function like a well-oiled machine.
#2. Be an open communicator. Keeping those lines of communication open is the name of the game when it comes to being a great leader. You’re ability to speak openly with your team means that you are always well-informed and have your ears and eyes on the pulse of the community. When you’re available and ready to communicate, you’re team will keep you in the loop. Communication is a two-way street that keeps all the traffic moving smoothly.
#3. Infuse your team and the atmosphere with positive vibes. There’s nothing as wonderful as optimistic energy. It’s inspiring and will keep your team motivated and ready to work hard. Even when you have down moments or times of struggle, you can focus on the positive. Maybe you learned something from a particular mistake or you now understand how not to go about a certain project – whatever the case may be – always try to find the positive.
#4. Be humble. No matter what level of success you achieve, you probably haven’t gotten there alone – you’ve worked with others or maybe a full team, give them the credit they deserve. People need to and want to feel appreciated and when you show that appreciation, it’s motivation to do and be even more successful.
#5. Know yourself and what your own goals are. When you know where you want to go, you can set a course of action that will get you there. Rather than merely focusing on today, establish some goals and give yourself something to strive for. Then, work with your team members to do the same. Everyone wants to be motivated to get to the next level – including you – and making sure you know what that is, will help you get there.
#6. Build an environment where creativity is fostered and supported. Giving yourself and your team the opportunity to be creative means they absolutely will be. Their ideas will flourish, they’ll be inspired and they’ll take things to the next level. Same goes for you. When your creativity is given the chance to be explored, you’ll feel motivated to think outside the box and it will rain ideas.
What do you think? Its 2017 your year to take your leadership to the next level?
