As a leader, your interactions with your team members have a significant influence on their daily lives, both at work and beyond. To be an effective and respected leader, it is important to take the time to listen to new ideas, support your team through challenges, and encourage them to meet and exceed customer expectations. By being present and aware of your interactions with your team, you can foster a positive and productive work environment that ultimately leads to your team on reaching their full potential.
Here are 12 tips to help you positively influence your team:
Learn from your mistakes. No one is perfect, and that includes leaders. When you make a mistake, admit it and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Your team will respect you for your honesty and vulnerability.
Handle the politics. Every workplace has its own set of politics, and it is up to you to navigate them effectively. Be transparent and honest with your team, and try to avoid getting caught up in petty dramas.
Brag about them. Recognize and celebrate the achievements of your team members. Share their successes with others and make sure they receive the credit they deserve.
Ask questions. Encourage your team to speak up and share their ideas and opinions. By asking questions and seeking input, you show that you value their contribution and want to hear their perspective.
Always be fair. Treat everyone on your team with respect and fairness. This means giving everyone the same opportunities, setting clear expectations, and holding everyone accountable to the same standards.
Lead with character. Be a role model for your team by demonstrating integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior. Your actions speak louder than words, so make sure you are setting a good example.
Trust them. Show your team that you trust them by giving them autonomy and letting them make decisions. This will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility within the team.
Value them. Show your team that you value them as individuals by taking an interest in their personal lives and career goals. This could involve providing opportunities for professional development or simply showing concern for their well-being.
Be inclusive. Make sure everyone on your team feels included and heard. This means encouraging participation from all team members, regardless of their position or status.
Support them. Be there for your team when they need you. Whether it’s providing guidance on a project or just lending a listening ear, make sure your team knows you have their back.
Encourage candor: Encourage open and honest communication among your team members. This allows for better problem-solving and decision-making, and it also builds trust and respect within the team.
Invest in them: Show your team that you value their growth and development by investing in their training and education. This can be through professional development opportunities or simply providing resources and support for them to learn and grow on their own. By investing in your team, you demonstrate that you believe in their potential and are committed to their success.
Lead From Within: Great things in business are never done by one person. They are accomplished through a great leader positively influencing their team.
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
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.