We should not think that a leader's job is “just to control others”. Still, if control truly does take place, can we diminish the importance of the leader's job by this “just”?
What tips should you follow in order to be a good leader? Check out our list of leadership advice from those who have already succeeded in their career. Here you'll learn how to get the support of your clients and team, how to grow your company but still stay your sane self.
1. Become transparent, visible and vocal
— Eileen McDargh, author of Your Resiliency GPS and Burnout to Breakthrough
Everyone wants to see a leader in front of them who gives clear, straightforward, and specific guidelines. The times when ordinary people loved their king simply because they had to are obsolete. No one will respect you as a leader if you close yourself in your office and transmit instructions only through a secretary, and your thoughts will be incomprehensible and unreadable. Speak in front of your subordinates, talk to them, and be easy to understand!
2. Surround yourself with people smarter than you
— Jeff Hoffman, Chairman of the Board of the Global Entrepreneurship Network
When a person becomes a leader, they may face a huge problem which is their own ego. In such cases, leaders don't want to ask for help, just as they don't want to admit their ignorance in some matters. This attitude leads to failure, so always avoid it! Don't be afraid to hire mentors and ask for help all the time. When you admit that you don't know something, it shows a better side of you than trying to appear all-knowing.
3. You Cannot Pour From An Empty Cup
— Michael Barnhill, Specialist ID
It’s essential for a leader to maintain their health, both physical and mental. Leader’s work is always about giving, so it could be hard if the leader doesn’t “own” anything in the first place. So start practicing meditation, yoga and consider healthy eating for yourself. Also, do not let your work take too much away from you, because all resources are exhaustible.
4. Treat Your Customers Well
— Blair Williams, MemberPress
Remember that a firm's reputation is one of the main indicators by which customers will choose you among thousands of competitors. And we're not just talking about winning PR strategies like collaborations with other brands or charitable donations. For starters, show your shoppers that you love them through fast and convenient shipping or returns, a simple and working bonus system, a pleasant and helpful customer service team. Don't stop there — go out of your way to meet your customers, even if it sometimes goes beyond the rules you've laid out (allow a customer to return the wrong shoe size on the 15th day even if the rules say the return period is 2 weeks).
5. If you can align your passion with your purpose, you will find fulfillment in whatever you choose to do in life
— Shannon Cook | SPHR, Customer Relationship Manager, Customer Relationship COE
When a job starts to feel like a ‘job’ you should evaluate whether you feel you’re aligned with your ‘purpose’ in life. Not having alignment with your purpose affects who you are as a person and a professional. When we don't like our job, we simply cannot perform well. If we chose our job because of family or societal pressure, we need to change it as fast as we can. Also, you need to pause if burnout has come to you. Sort yourself out before you make mistakes, letting down both the firm and yourself.
6. Responsibility is powerful, especially for a leader
— Jocko Willink was the commander of SEAL Team Three
Not everyone is willing to take responsibility for others, and therefore not everyone can be a good leader. When one of your subordinates screws up, it would be unprofessional of you to dump all the responsibility on them. You are also partially screwed up because you didn't follow up and notice the problem until it was too late. Share responsibility for mistakes honestly, so that you do not lose the faith of your people. Find more illustrative examples about leader’s job in the Tribe of mentors book summary.
7. Remember To Reflect On Your Journey
— Shu Saito, All Filters
Diary keeping is not just a fun activity for little girls who can't tell their secrets to their friends. Human memory is not perfect, and that's why you should write down all the important moments so that you don't forget anything essential. In addition, visualizing your ideas and thoughts through text will help you understand yourself and your concerns better. Perhaps rereading your diary will help you come up with new solutions and plans.
8. Invest In Yourself And Your People
— Diego Orjuela, Cables & Sensors
Constant development is what brought humankind out of the caves. Your company must constantly evolve, but you cannot achieve this without developing your skills. Organize constant trainings for your colleagues to improve their skills, competence, and knowledge. Don't be afraid that the company will lose money on this — sooner or later it will all pay off.
9. Sometimes the only way to change people is to change the people
— Ted Weinberger | Director, Compensation Services
Often young leaders (especially those just joining a new team) are eager for change. In return, they may receive disapproval from other, more conservative subordinates or colleagues. And while you, as a leader, should listen to your group, you should not be afraid to innovate. Change is necessary in one way or another, so gently but firmly bring it into your work if necessary.
10. Be genuine in your leadership. If you have to deliver a tough message, be honest
— Ray Brock | Director, Safety Services
Never be afraid to tell the truth to your team. A leader must maintain an optimistic spirit no matter what it takes, but that does not include lying. If your team is not performing well — let them know. If your office is threatened with downsizing — notify your subordinates about it in advance. Remember that once you lose the trust of your people, you can't regain it so easily.
You are unlikely to find two leaders with the same views and ways of doing things. However, you can be a liberal leader who listens to your colleagues and helps them become better, or you can be a dictator who their subordinates will fear and despise. Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada was a colorful and interesting character, but she is definitely not a leadership role model you should look up to.
Hence, the main strategy you should follow is to love your job and your colleagues. Of course, you shouldn't pull out the “we're all family here” rhetoric, but you should definitely be empathic, helpful, and a good listener. Take care of your reputation, as well as the reputation of your company and its customers. This will help you boost your sales, which will definitely be a big plus in your journey.
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