Tips To Become A Better Leader (Part 2)

“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence, and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” —Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook

“It’s okay to admit what you don’t know. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s more than okay to listen to the people you lead – in fact, it’s essential.” —Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch
 

NOTE:

This is Part 2 of a series.

If you missed Part 1, you can read it here: [Become A Better Leader Part 1]


Now let's continue!

I've been in an executive position for 15+ years, pretty much since I started my company right out of university.

I learned the hard way, without any prior experience, making many mistakes and continuously evolving.

Whether you're aspiring to lead a team or simply want to improve your leadership skills, here's Part 2 of the cheat sheet to help you lead better:

C) Empowering Others

Empowerment is a crucial aspect of leadership as it helps in creating a sense of ownership among team members.

A good leader empowers others by providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and knowledge to achieve their goals.

This not only leads to increased productivity but also fosters a positive work environment.

Here are some tips on how to empower others effectively:

1. Set clear expectations: Clearly define what is expected from each team member and communicate it clearly. This will help in setting realistic goals and expectations, which can then be used to measure performance.

2. Provide opportunities for growth: Encourage team members to take on new challenges and provide opportunities for learning and development. This will help in building confidence and increasing motivation levels.

3. Recognize and reward achievements: Recognizing and rewarding team members for their hard work and achievements is a great way to empower them. It shows that their efforts are valued and appreciated, which can lead to increased loyalty and commitment.

4. Foster collaboration: Collaboration is key to success. Create an environment where team members can work together and share ideas freely. This will help in generating innovative solutions and improving overall performance.

5. Lead by example: As a leader, you set the tone for the organization. By leading by example, you can inspire others to follow suit and embody the values that you stand for.

By empowering others, leaders can create a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, which can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

D) Accountability and Responsibility

Accountability and responsibility are two essential qualities of a good leader.

As a leader, it is crucial to hold yourself accountable for your actions and decisions, as well as take responsibility for any mistakes or failures.

This not only helps build trust with your team members but also sets a positive example for them to follow.

Here are some tips on how to develop accountability and responsibility as a leader:

1. Set clear expectations: Clearly define what is expected from each team member and communicate those expectations clearly. This includes both goals and deadlines.

2. Follow up regularly: Regularly check in with your team members to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities and to offer support when needed. Yes you have empowered and trust them, but you also need to verify they are making progress and step in if needed.

3. Hold yourself accountable: Be transparent about your own performance and take ownership of any mistakes or failures. This shows your team that you are committed to doing what it takes to succeed.

4. Encourage others to take responsibility: Encourage your team members to take ownership of their work and recognize when they have made a mistake. This fosters a culture of accountability within your team.

5. Celebrate successes together: Celebrate successes together as a team and acknowledge individual contributions. This helps build a sense of shared responsibility and encourages everyone to take accountability for their work.

These help you create a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Remember, leadership is not just about giving orders; it's about setting an example and inspiring others to achieve greatness.

E) Delegation and Time Management

Delegating tasks effectively can not only save time, but it can also increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

When delegating tasks, it’s important to choose the right person for the job and provide them with clear instructions on what is expected of them.

This includes setting deadlines, providing feedback, and ensuring that they have the necessary resources to complete the task successfully.

By delegating tasks efficiently, leaders can free up their own time to focus on more strategic activities, such as planning, engaging customers and decision making.

Additionally, effective delegation can help foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among team members, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement.

Closing Thoughts

Across all three points, you'll notice some common actions.

They are interconnected and work together to produce a high performance team.

This in turn enables you as a leader to also do your best work of leading the organization to successful heights.

Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

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