Successful leaders are the ones who can get the most out of the people they lead. If you can keep your team highly motivated and engaged in their work with no negatives such as unwanted stress, your company will benefit. A happy employee is a productive employee.
Here are some habits that successful leaders have.
- They Create a Culture to Fit the Company’s Vision
Every company has a vision but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have your own. So create a vision that translates to what a great leader you could be. Next, communicate that vision to your organisation and your employees. Once they are inspired to achieve that vision, let them know what you expect from their individual roles. Employ your management skills to build the perfect work culture to fit your vision. Encourage trust, openness, fun and creativity. Let everybody share new ideas. Remember, you need to reach your goals together. So figure out the best way to do that.
- They Follow and Communicate Positive Values
Personal characteristics including honesty, integrity, objectivity and independent thinking are present in thriving leaders. You need to demonstrate these positive values at all times. When people you work with realise that you take your values seriously, they will reciprocate. Keep your eyes and ears open for any conflict in values because they can affect your organisation badly. For example, an employee who believes in using dishonest means to finish reports as fast as possible can ruin the work culture and deliver substandard work. So talk to everybody and find out how things are going at their level. Be there for them so that they are there for you.
- They Set the Bar High
Great leaders challenge themselves. They have clear goals that they usually exceed. When your employees see you meeting and surpassing goal after goal, they’ll know that you mean serious business. Along with being motivated, they’ll push themselves to do their best on the job too. You can help them set realistic goals while allowing them to make decisions about how it is done.
- They Handle Pressure Well
Tough times can drive some people into negative behaviour such as self-doubt and anger. Bad things will happen and you have to deal with them. Being the leader, it’s your job to keep calm and let others look up to you especially when they need you. That means that you should learn how to assess situations and take action while you keep the employees in the loop. Never leave them in the dark and never lose your confidence.
- They Believe that Success is Achieved Together
A simple thank you can act as a major motivator. Celebrate your employees’ achievements. Be personal and consider sending them an email or dropping by their office so that they know you don’t take good work for granted. Share credit with them if your projects get noticed. These behind the scenes people are important to your company.
A leader has a deep, long-lasting influence on the people he leads. If you lead well, your team will do great things for your company. Be positive. Build a rapport. Show them the way to success.
Check out the impressive list of Nanyang Fellows MBA alumni who have become top leaders in their respective fields!
