Being liked by your customers, business partners, and team members can go a long way in business. Overall, it helps build culture, trust and the I’ve got your back mindset. And so, we should always strive to become better leaders, right?
After all, if we’re expecting or anticipating others to follow us — we want to make sure we’re giving them something worthwhile, effective and productive to follow.
Leading others is a privilege and one that should not take lightly. So today, we want to share six ideas or strategies to help you become someone worth following.
6 Ideas to Become a Better Leader
All of the following ideas are simple, and yet, perhaps in the name of the bottom line, we often lose sight of the simple things. Yet, the things that make us human can help us become more successful. So let’s use more of these strategies moving forward.
Be an active listener.
Listen to understand, not to respond. Active listening is the foundation of any good relationship. To become a better leader, listen to what your customers and prospects want and need. And listen to the challenges those customers face. Be open to ideas from your team members and business partners — be available to listen.
In the event you don’t have the needed time — schedule it. Rushing someone through their needs (within reason) can do far more bad than good. Instead, take the time to be present and available for your prospects and customers.
Be Authentic
To become a better leader, great leaders are who they say they are. Additionally, they have unmatched integrity. Vulnerability and humility are benchmarks of the authentic leader. They create positive, magnetic energy.
The best leaders are transparent about who they are online, merging their personal and professional lives. But, somewhere along the way, social media blurred these lines — standing out from the noise and deception.
Be Transparent
Those who attempt to keep secrets will eventually be exposed. But conversely, openness and honesty lead to happier teams, customers, and business partners.
More importantly, transparency makes it a lot easier to sleep at night. It rings more peace because you aren’t worried about what you said to whom – because the story doesn’t change. A happier leader is a more productive one too!
Become more Adaptable
The marketplace is constantly changing. Therefore, leaders must be flexible in managing opportunities that can change on the fly and take on challenges that may pivot at any moment. Being stuck in old ways is no longer desirable for people. Instead, the willingness to adapt will help you become a better leader.
Never Overlook Gratitude
The most outstanding leaders are forever grateful for the people who contribute to their opportunities and success. Being appreciative and saying thank you to mentors, customers, and partners keeps leaders humble, appreciated, and well received.
And truth be told — gratitude also makes you feel great! So don’t be afraid to express your appreciation; the more personable, the better.
Never Lose your Passion
You’ve probably heard the saying — love what you do, and you’ll never work a day. However, people who can bring passion to their business have a HUGE advantage. Passion is contagious to customers, prospects and teams alike. Finding and increasing your desire will raise your lid to becoming a better leader!
Are you striving to be a GREAT leader?
One who will not only work to create their legacy but one who helps others attain their own? We would love your feedback! Which traits would you add to the above list?
