6 Ways to Become the Leader Your Team Needs

Leadership is more than just telling people what to do; it’s helping them achieve success.

If your primary focus, as a leader, is on the work that needs to get done with little focus on the how, the who or the why, there is a good chance you are not leading, you are managing.

People are a Valuable Asset

One thing I always say is that “we should manage things and lead people.” People are the most valuable asset in any situation. We therefore must treat others with the utmost care. I have spent over 26 years training, coaching and monitoring people in leadership positions and I can attest to the fact that many spend much of their time attempting to manage people instead of their tasks and projects; and the result is the missed opportunity and the privilege of becoming a real and influential leader.

Imagine that description being written on your epitaph: “_(your name here)_ – a real and influential leader.”

Focus on Becoming a Great Leader

I know, leadership is not easy…if you do it right…but what better way to leave your imprint on the heart of humanity? I mean really, you exist for a reason, not merely to drift through life without making a meaningful deposit. So spend time focusing on becoming a better leader. And if you are aspiring to become one, plan to become a good one.

Leaders are made not born. And leadership in and of itself is challenging. Leaders have to think. Leaders have to solve problems and most importantly, leaders have to care about other people. That’s what this blog is all about. It’s all about you… helping you become the leader you were meant to be.

Here are just six tips to get you started or confirm your journey on the road to better leadership.

6 Tips For Better Leadership

1. Know the Difference Between a Leader and a Manager

I like the way Vineet Nayar put it in an online Harvard Business Review article when he wrote, “Leadership refers to an individual’s ability to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward organizational success. Influence and inspiration separate leaders from managers, not power and control.” (“Three Differences Between Managers and Leaders”, Vineet Nayar, https://hbr.org/2013/08/tests-of-a-leadership-transiti )

2. Be as Approachable as You Want Your Boss to Be

No matter how great you think you are, it means nothing if you are intimidating to those under your charge. If they cannot feel comfortable in approaching you they won’t. That means creativity is stifled, valuable information is withheld and honesty may be compromised simply because the atmosphere around you is not conducive for the priceless conversation necessary for ongoing progress and advancement.
How do I do this, you say?

• Say “hello” and have cordial conversations with your team regularly, even if it’s just passing through and saying “hi”.
• When they want to talk to you, never say “no”. If it’s a bad time, say so and immediately give them other options that work better for your schedule, or tell them how to get an alternate time on your calendar right away.
• Be pleasant and respectful at all times, regardless of the circumstances.
• Treat each of them as if they are the most important person on the team and their thoughts, feelings and ideas are as important as they are… but don’t play favorites!
• Don’t growl when you hear the question, “Are you busy?” Again, if it’s a bad time say so but give an alternative time. If you are not busy, however tell them to come on in. Silence your phone, turn down the music or podcast and give them your attention.

3. Don’t Just Communicate, Over Communicate

One of my bosses often repeated an old marketing strategy to me: if you want to get a message to people that sticks, communicate it “8 Times, 8 Ways.” When dealing with those who report to you directly, you need not share basic instructions eight times but anything worth saying once, bears repeating with periodic reminders thrown in. When you have put the message out multiple times in multiple ways you have done your part. If there is any confusion, assume you have not communicated enough.

4. Maintain Your Integrity

To put it bluntly, “Don’t Lie!” Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you are unable to follow through, say you made a mistake or there were changes made by others (if that’s the case) that have impacted your original decision or statement but don’t lie to make things sound better or so that you look better. And if you changed your mind, just say “I changed my mind, and here’s why…” And just so there is no confusion, integrity is being honest, sincere, ethical and trustworthy.

5. Educate and Train People

One might think it is elementary understanding that we must train people to do whatever it is we want them to do, in the manner in which we want it done. Unfortunately every person in a “lead” position does not do that. It is essential that each individual receive in depth training on the specific tasks and operations they have been assigned to, with ample time to absorb the material being shared.

It is also imperative that you educate (give insight, teaching, coaching) on the broader aspects of the job, give background information and organizational context so they can understand and articulate why AND what they are doing. When people have full understanding, they are better able to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills when things go awry.

6. Inspire Others

Be an example and an encouragement to others. Get to know others so that you have an idea “what they want to be when they grow up.” Everyone aspires to do better and to become greater in life. Use your wisdom, experience and even your connections (when appropriate) to help them get there. Maybe you can encourage them to finish school, apply for a promotional opportunity or buy a new car. Be the leader they will one day remember as the one who inspired them to change their lives… for the better of course.

Do not allow fear of losing them prevent you from helping them advance to the next level. I will never forget the director who arranged my job interview with another director in the organization for a promotional opportunity that was posted on a day that I was sick and out of the office. She knew I had been waiting months for such a position to open up. She didn’t hesitate to help me achieve my dream even though it meant she would be left with a job opening in her own department (Thanks JT!).

Closing Thoughts

Being a good leader often requires a lonely journey of trial and error. Let’s do it together, so you don’t have to go it alone. Leaders are made not born. Let’s make you “a real and influential leader”; one who manages things and leads people!

Best Regards!

C.