If you are thinking of becoming a leader or have taken that first shaky step into the world of management, you should know that the combination of different qualities and skills will make your leadership a success. Gone are the days where you can just be brilliant at a single task and that will be enough. Leadership is a combination of both personal and interpersonal skills, but they do not have to be complicated. Here are the simple things that the best leaders do.
Remove the roadblocks with adeptness.
Ever notice that problems only happen when the manager is on vacation or has left the organization?
They have been dealing with issues or future planning so well, that many staff didn’t even know they were there in the first place. And an exceptional leader? Doesn’t even care if the staff notice all of their good deeds.
They do not take themselves too seriously.
This does not mean that they are a complete goof – quite the opposite. But they do know how to have a laugh with the team or acknowledge when they make a mistake. Having a leader who can get over their own ego and apologize is great for the team!
They bring positivity to even the darkest of times.
Their emotional intelligence lets them know what to say and when to say to the team to give them hope to carry on, even when times are rough.
It’s your job as a manager to acknowledge that times are tough, and give people the strength and tools to get through.
They get to know their team by recognizing individual strengths, goals, and motivations
Give them space to grow. AKA giving them some room to make messes, and learn how to clean them up.
You can mentor them day in and out, but some lessons need to be learned by themselves. Give them some safe space to learn
Hire to fit the need of the team.
When you look at the truly simple things that the best leaders can do, this is often overlooked. Take a moment to assess gaps on your team, and look for interview questions to find that perfect employee. You know the dynamics on the team, someone could have a stellar resume, but not fit in with the team culture.
Take the time to celebrate the small wins or the progress through a large project.
The best leaders recognize that you “eat an elephant one bite at a time”, which means that you need to break down big projects in to milestones. By taking the time to celebrate those milestones, you encourage your team to keep moving forward and strengthen their bonds as a team.
Mentorship is a top priority.
A great leader does not hoard knowledge because their ego needs to feel special by being the only person with that knowledge. Instead the team’s success is not their reliance on their leader, but their collective knowledge and skill.
They walk the walk.
The best leaders gain followers just by leading by example, and show their expectations rather than dictate them.
They lead from the back.
What does this mean? It means that people have the opportunity to grow because they are discovering and determining the best course of action
You better believe that when there is trouble the leader moves from the back to the front to defend their team!
When you look at all of the leadership concepts above, none of these things are about making yourself look good, but rather putting the needs of the team first. When the best leaders consider their team’s needs first, it all becomes very simple.
