Everyone likes to think that they’d thrive in a leadership position when given a chance. When we start a new job, we dream of the day when we’ll have an opportunity to prove ourselves in a manager or supervisor position. Unfortunately, when that day finally arrives, we don’t always feel ready for the responsibilities that come with it. The good news is that most people do have the strength and insight of a leader hidden somewhere inside, all they need to do is figure out how they can tap into the core strengths and apply them to their day-to-day activities. Here are three tips that will make anyone a better leader almost instantly.
1. Focus on Great Communication
Communication is one of the most critical elements of any leader’s job. The average business leader communicates with shareholders, coworkers, and employees on a daily basis, and the way they handle these conversations will dictate whether they’re successful, or not. To improve communication:
- Focus on being completely honest and transparent
- Use credible sources when citing facts or claims
- Deliver goals to employees using the “SMART” format (Smart, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Time-bound)
- Explore various communication channels (email, chat, video calling, telephone, etc)
Always remember that communication is a two-way process. This means that leaders shouldn’t just broadcast messages to others, they should also listen to the responses that come back from their teams.
2. Focus on What You Do Best
When people work their way up to a leadership position, they often try to continue doing the same work they used to do every day, while taking on additional responsibilities. Unfortunately, time comes at a premium when you’re a business leader. Leaders need to learn how to delegate and use their time effectively, this could mean:
- Hiring virtual assistants to handle tedious tasks
- Using cloud-based apps to manage work on the move
- Using project management tasks to improve business efficiency
By focusing on what they do best, leaders can make sure that the organization continues to run as smoothly as possible, without working themselves into the ground.
3. Keep Improving
Finally, most leaders have to work incredibly hard to get to a position of power. However, when they enter that leadership position, it can be difficult to keep finding the extra time to continue improving. No-one wants to work for someone who’s practical, or industry knowledge is dated. Fortunately, leaders can show their teams that they’re committed to doing the best they can for the business by continually improving and upgrading themselves. For instance, they can:
- Subscribe to podcasts and videos from industry leaders.
- Look for books and summaries that allow them to catch up on sector trends.
- Network with people as often as possible, or find a mentor to help them broaden their horizons
- Sign up for classes and courses to develop their skills.
A leader who is committed to continuous improvement also encourages their followers and team members to be equality intuitive and forward-thinking. A culture of continuous growth is a great thing to have in any business.