The Importance of Leadership in the Workplace
Leadership is an important skill, especially in the workplace. As a manager or team leader, it’s important to understand that the team is going to take on the attitudes and behaviors of their leader. This is why it’s so important to listen, work hard and show appreciation when you’re in a leadership role.
Listen Well
Listening really is key to leadership. Hearing what individuals on your team say and letting them have a voice is an essential skill. Don’t just let others talk. Really listen with the intent of creating change based on the feedback you’re given. Even if you can’t create change, if an employee has a concern, follow through on taking care of it. If you don’t have the answers, take the time to find them.
Get to Know Your People
This type of active and responsive listening will go a long way with your team. So will socializing with your team. This is because communication is an important skill overall. Take the time to talk to your people and get to know them.This helps build trust so that those you’re leading will come to you when something is really affecting them and their work. It also creates a more transparent work environment, one where leaders and those their leading feel like they are equal.
Work as Hard as You Expect Your Team to Work
Working as hard as your team is another characteristic that makes you a good leader. Don’t dictate any task to your team that you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing yourself. This doesn’t mean you should micromanage or be unwilling to delegate. It just means that you’re leading by example. Your staff will know you’re there for them if you’re working as hard as they are.
Don’t Micromanage
To be clear, a good leader doesn’t micromanage and does trust their team to complete tasks. The best teams all have different skills Yours may be leadership and someone else may be strong in sales or planning. Give these employees the space they need to use and grow their strengths. After all, if you were all good at the same thing, you wouldn’t be a good team.
Show Appreciation
Finally, a good leader shows appreciation. Thank your team for their hard work. Recognize their strengths and show them that they add value to the team. You can do this through genuine thank you notes, team parties or team excursions.
As the leader, your job at the helm is to make your team a success. You have the skills to do this, just as your team has the skills to do their jobs well.
