“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”- Ralph Nader
Nowadays, the organizational world functions in a more integrated way; it has changed from an individual type of work to a more collective type, and evidence is in the actual organization charts that have a tendency to a more open and team-centered structure. And in this type of system, correct leadership is highly valued in renowned companies; it’s key to a productive and healthy work environment that wants to not only invest in creating followers but also in creating good leaders that are reliable and worthy of having.
That’s why we provide you with the most valuable traits a good leader needs to have in order to stand out!
- Be a good communicator: Prioritize effective communication. This means providing course instructions, paths of action, and feedback so your followers know the details of what you are asking them to do, including the expectations you have of them and even what results they need to achieve. Remember to keep it honest and tailor your communication depending on the person you are referring to.
- Be a mentor to your employees and develop them: A great leader seeks to coach their team members and turn work into a more collaborative duty; commitment would be understood as something reciprocal. Coaching means helping the people you lead make their own choices by teaching and guiding them. It’s relevant to provide them with new projects or tasks, so they can acknowledge they are capable, and their effort is valued. Teach them to become the future leaders.
- Be open towards the people you lead: Be open to new ideas and proposals; this can make your followers respect you and perceive you as accessible. Show them their insights are worthy. Being a good leader doesn’t mean being inflexible to others’ opinions. Giving your team that space will empower them; they will be more invested in the company they work for.
- Be a model and create accountability: Preach by example and show that you expect what you give. Coherency is a must when setting a model to follow; provide inspiration to the people that are around you, so they know that they are as accountable for their jobs as you are. For example, practice being open and letting them know your commitments at weekly meetings. This will lead to a transparent and productive work environment.
- Encourage your people: Be the cheerleader of your team and empower them to take on new challenges, so they can grow personally and professionally. Nowadays, there are plenty of tools you can motivate them to use in order to acquire new skills. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks; you can be surprised at how much they can accomplish only by being trusted and supported.