You’ve worked hard to get to where you are as a leader in your company. But being the boss comes with a new set of challenges and responsibilities. One study found that 57% of Americans have left a job because their boss was horrible. And even if a boss isn’t overtly hostile, unresponsive bosses are 25 times more likely to be labeled a bad boss. Here are some key lessons to help you be the effective, inspiring leader you were meant to be.
Connect with Your Team
- Make time for one-on-one meetings with each team member. Get to know them, their goals, and their challenges. Show you care about them as individuals. 79% of employees quit because they don’t feel appreciated.
- Be approachable and available. Keep your door open for employees to come to you with questions and concerns.
- Ask for input and listen. Your team has valuable insights about processes, problems and potential solutions.
Connecting with your team builds trust and helps you understand how to best support and motivate each person. Remember, while 93% of management feels they are being empathetic, only 50% of employees agree with them.
Lead by Example
- Model the behaviors and values you expect from your team. If you want them to be punctual, meet deadlines, and have a positive attitude, demonstrate that yourself.
- Be willing to take on the tough or unpleasant tasks needed, not just delegate them. Pitch in when the team needs extra help. 82% of employees feel uninspired by managers, which means they are not going to want to do the unpleasant tasks unless you show willingness.
- Admit when you’re wrong or make a mistake. Apologize sincerely and work to improve. Your team will respect your honesty and humility.
Leading by example shows your team you don’t consider yourself above the work. It inspires them to follow your lead.
Develop Your Team
- Provide opportunities for growth. Challenge team members with projects that build new skills.
- Offer mentorship and coaching. Provide guidance to help team members improve weaknesses and develop strengths.
- Support education and training. Invest in your team’s growth, whether through workshops, seminars, or online classes.
Developing your employees helps everyone advance. Your team is more engaged, innovative, and productive. This applies whether you are managing a small retail store or you work in a large personal injury lawyers law firm.
Communicate Effectively
- Provide clear direction. Set distinct goals and expectations for projects and performance.
- Give regular feedback. Praise progress and provide constructive critiques. Don’t wait for formal reviews.
- Tailor information for relevance. Filter communications to avoid overwhelming your team with too much.
- Be positive. Frame critiques constructively. Put negative news in context to avoid discouragement.
Good communication eliminates confusion about priorities, progress, and problems. It keeps your team focused and motivated.
Reward and Recognize
Recognition is a key motivator. Rewarding your team’s accomplishments shows their work is valued and gives positive reinforcement.
The most effective leaders connect with their people, lead by example, develop employees’ potential, communicate well, and recognize achievements. By implementing these leadership lessons, you can become the kind of boss you wish you had – one who inspires the best from your team and helps everyone succeed.
