How would you define an effective leader? Do they have specific qualities that you like to follow? A physical appearance that makes them powerful? Or probably, someone who can delegate tasks well?
In all honesty, leadership is a skillset. Some we’re born to lead people while some struggle to find a way to practice and acquire such skills. No matter which side you’re in, the following 7 tips would help you become a better leader today!
1. Be A Good Follower
If you cannot let your ego down, and be a part of the team, then you already failed right from the start. A leader is someone who shows compassion and empathy to its people. They should be willing to listen and respect other people’s opinions even if they may have to disagree at some point.
Moreover, admitting your mistake is another way of being a good follower, and a humble leader. It’s not a sign of weakness but in contrast, it’s actually a sign of bravery of admitting where you lack.
Doing these, would create a mutual respect among the team, and effectively follow your instruction since you’re showing what you ought is for the member’s sake!
If you want to become a better leader, walk the walk, talk the talk. Meaning to say, don’t settle with words. Show what you want to see from your team members, and you’ll be surprised how you can be an inspiration for a change.
2. A Sense of Purpose
Why do you want to be a leader? Why do you think you have a better chance to become a better leader? What’s your purpose? Most people tend to focus more on the position rather than the intention and motive. They thought that leaders are more powerful than everybody else. Some equate leaders to powerful people who hold every person under them. And they obviously wanted to be in that position as well!
Although these things are real in some aspects, you should know that leadership isn’t just about the title. It’s a trait that enables you to make the best decision for the group, giving them a sense of clarity of which way to go, what are the best things to do, and what goal they should achieve. It’s more than what meets the eye.
3. Show Your Passion
No one can deny the fact that there’s no effective leader that isn’t passionate about what they do or what they want to achieve. If you know someone who’s totally the opposite, maybe it’s to find a better leader to follow.
Great leaders aren’t just focused on delegating and finishing tasks. In fact, simply completing the tasks is pretty boring. Instead, they show great attitude and admirable enthusiasm that everyone can feel and understand the motive behind every great thing they’re working on.
It doesn’t matter if you’re popular or not. You know what you believe in, and what’s best for the people under you. No one can mess with a passionate person.
4. Give Credit When Its Due
Situations vary among people. Some may live without having to look forward to other people’s feedback, while some need a little bit of push to get motivated.
If you felt that your team member did a great job or at least exerted full effort to achieve a certain task, then commend them on what they did openly. If something needs to be addressed, you can do so privately.
The main point is giving proper commendation for the employees who deserve it. Trust me, everyone needs it from time to time. You’ll be surprised how motivated they are to work harder and perform better just because of your commendation.
On the other hand, if they became irresponsible and failed to achieve the task that was given to them, then don’t let that slip away. You should be able to hold people accountable.
5. Create A Positive Atmosphere
An optimistic perception always starts from you as an individual. There’s a greater chance to spread optimism within the workplace if you’re a leader that everyone looks up to. If you felt unmotivated on what you do, people under you would get the same vibe, and may slack off from work.
It doesn’t necessarily need to be a ‘bed of roses’ all the time. It’s a matter of mindset and attitude that you’re showing among the people around you, and the ability to face difficulties with positivity.
Have fun, and be more likeable! Don’t let other people tell you otherwise. Life’s short, what else can you do to create a friendly- and long-lasting environment with long-term people to spend it with?
Would you agree that an effective leadership takes time to achieve? Everyone can be a leader, but not everyone can be a better leader. What about you, do you have what it takes to be a leader?
