Whatever we learned about leadership even a decade ago is outdated. Under the old model, leaders made all the decisions and the rest of the team went along.
Today the concept of employee empowerment is changing the game. Giving front-line employees the authority to make decisions once reserved only for managers and leaders brings them a sense of ownership and gives consumers the experience of a responsive, caring organization.
Here are some ways to make your team feel appreciated and important under the new model:
Offer them safety. People will entrust their future only to someone they consider reliable; they want to know they can count on someone trustworthy, someone who will have their back when things go wrong . if you want to empower your people make them feel safe.
Speak with kindness. It takes wisdom and determination to lead others not through power and authority but by inspiring and motivating them with words that are both truthful and kind. Kindness makes anyone feel valued and respected.
Accept them for who they are. We have an all-too-human inclination to judge others, and overcoming it can be difficult. But the best leaders are those who don’t judge but unconditionally accept others, with all their strengths and weaknesses. It’s an approach that raises people’s self-esteem, reinforces their self-image and makes them enthusiastic members of the team.
Demonstrate that you trust them. Let them make decisions that matter and can impact the company. Verbal appreciation is important, and bonuses and other perks are always welcome—but ultimately, showing someone that you trust their opinion and expertise is the most valuable form of appreciation you can give.
Be available and accessible. Adopting an open-door policy shows that you care about your team by being available and accessible enough that they can always come to you with their input and insights. Let them know their opinions are valued and appreciated. Whether you regularly walk around or simply leave your door open, show your team that you’re there for them.
Appreciate their efforts. Many leaders appreciate people for obtaining results, but the best kind of leader appreciates people for their effort. Letting your team know they’re doing a great job will not only ensure they continue to produce high-quality work but also increase their satisfaction.
If you want to speed processes and still produce quality materials and services, focus on making your team feel appreciated and important. In return, they will reward you with hard work and loyalty.
Lead from within: Leadership at its core can make or break teams. As a leader, you have the power to make people feel important and appreciated or overlooked and ungrateful. It’s your choice.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.