Part of knowing how to be a better leader is realizing you can. But the rest involves determination, trust, a willingness to learn, and practice.
How to Be a Better Leader: Simple, Powerful Tips to Use
You may not think you know how to be a better leader. In reality, most of us probably don’t think about our leadership abilities that often. Yet, no one thinks they’re a leader until they’re in a situation where leadership is necessary.
As a leader, you must lead whether you are appointed, named, or lobby for or assume a leadership position. So, how can you prepare to be a better leader? These simple yet powerful tips may help.
Be Fearless
If you want to be a better leader, prepare yourself to be fearless. Today’s economy is not for the weak. Those leaders who demonstrate timidity or shrink from competitive pressure will fail. On the other hand, leaders who demonstrate courage and are unafraid to take calculated risks and overtake competitors stand to gain.
To Be a Better Leader: Act Decisively Under Pressure
Leaders often must make tough decisions based on situations not entirely under their control. For example, shareholder pressure, the economy, debt, and consumer changes. To be a better leader, one must act decisively under pressure.
- Develop your instincts to assess the situation and devise a plan accurately.
- Enlist your top trusted managers to communicate and implement required changes.
- Be the visible architect of the overall plan and make sure everyone knows what’s happening.
- Know when it’s time to pivot and be ready to act.
Develop Self-Confidence
The best leaders exude self-confidence. However, this comes from previous success. When you know you can deliver because you’ve done it before, your demeanor shows it. Others, seeing your self-confidence, feel better about their work and prospects.
- When in doubt, remind yourself of past accomplishments.
- Use strategies and solutions you know work or can adapt and modify now.
Be Assertive
Among the most admired leadership traits is assertiveness. Employees notice when a manager is evasive or unable to decide. The assertive leader shows command and an intuitive grasp of the situation. Furthermore, they communicate the plan quickly and effectively, so employees are more likely to follow.
Accept Responsibility
The buck stops with the boss. As a leader, you must accept responsibility, not only for your own decisions but also, as the head of the company, for those of your employees. However, this isn’t as formidable as it may seem. When actions are based on solid plans and well-executed, the results will be better tolerated even if they fail to succeed.
Gain Others’ Respect and Trust to Be a Better Leader
To be a better leader, others must trust and respect you. Trust is a powerful value that is hard to earn and difficult to restore once lost. Respect and trust are two must-haves for an effective leader. Besides, when your managers and employees respect and trust you, they’ll do whatever it takes to help you and them succeed.
- Always act with integrity.
- Furthermore, say what you mean and mean what you say.
- Back up your words with actions.
- Finally, be consistent, truthful, and reliable.
Learn From Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, including leaders. So, it isn’t a mistake that can have devastating effects as much as failing to learn from it. Besides benefitting from growth opportunities that may occur, admit your mistakes. But showing how you’ll overcome them deepens your employees’ respect and trust for you.
Be a Better Leader By Seizing Opportunities
Would you overlook a hundred-dollar bill on the sidewalk? Most would snatch it up immediately and celebrate their good fortune. Yet, some leaders fail to recognize and take advantage of opportunities. They may not be mediocre, but they aren’t on top of the competitive landscape. Therefore they fail to capitalize on the chance for success.
- Try to see openings to forge ahead.
- Then, be sure to utilize everyone’s strengths.
- Furthermore, encourage their efforts.
Recognize and Value Employee Contributions
No leader is entirely responsible for the company’s success. Besides, progress would halt without employees’ hard work and contributions. Since achieving goals requires effort, recognize and value what your employees contribute.
Lead By Example
Finally, to be a better leader, lead by your example. Others will follow someone who acts with integrity, has a solid plan, and communicates well and often. However, great leaders also include others in decision-making, have a proven track record, and capitalize on opportunities.
