A good leader is invaluable to an organisation and does everything in their power to propel the growth of their company forward. They always keep the doors of communication open to their employees, thus enabling the latter to feel that their inputs and suggestions are given due consideration. The result of good leadership is high morale, favorable employee retention, and steady success. As Brian Tracy aptly put it, “Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.”
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Great leadership doesn't have a set definition. Sometimes, even good leaders can't pinpoint what it is that sets them apart from the rest. But here's a list of seven elements that will help you become a better leader today.
Self-confidence
In order to gain the respect of their employees, a good leader must be self-assured but never arrogant. They must have the ability to face any challenges that come their way. In times of turbulence and rising stress levels, they should be able to remain calm and keep his team members from falling apart.
Drive
One important trait of a good leader is that they must always be determined to see their tasks through to completion. No amount of long hours or looming deadlines should scare them into giving up. Employees tend to mirror the habits of their leaders. It is for this reason that a leader mustn't lose hope easily when things don't go their way.
Responsibility
A good leader must feel responsible for their team under all circumstances. If the team has done a good job on a project, the leader should praise their team members publicly. However, if a member has not fared well, a good leader should evaluate what went wrong and share the responsibility of the failure instead of singling the member out.
Passion
If you're passionate about the work you do, it shows. Employees observe the way you work and can tell whether you love your job or you are simply going through the motions. If you are passionate about a certain project, you will spread positive vibes which will eventually reflect in your employees' code of conduct.
Honesty
It is very important for a leader to be transparent with their employees. If your employees have to second-guess the motives behind your every move, it slowly erodes their confidence in you. If you walk the talk and are forthcoming with information, it makes your followers feel included and valued.
Approachableness
Are your team members afraid to voice their opinions in front of you? Do they feel that if they criticise a decision of yours they will be blacklisted? If this is the case, you need to make yourself more approachable. An environment where people are terrified of speaking up and asking questions is destined for failure.
Supportiveness
If you can recognise the needs of your employees and demonstrate genuine concern for their welfare, you are on the path to being a good leader. Every employee faces turbulence in their personal life at some point which may slowly begin to reflect in their work. At such a time, a good leader shows support and compassion instead of giving them the pink slip.
For any organisation to succeed, there has to be a good leader who has the back of all their employees. A great leader can take the biggest adversity and turn it into an excellent opportunity which will steer the company on the road to success.
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