Being a successful leader requires effective interpersonal communication as much as acknowledging there is always room for improvement and growth in oneself. A strong leader leads by example; always pushing themselves, their colleagues and their employees to reach their utmost potential and surpass their goals.
However, even the best leaders know they can always improve. As Warren Buffett has said, “Ultimately, there’s one investment that supersedes all others: Invest in yourself.”
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or a longtime CEO, how do U become a better leader? Here are six tips:
- Bond with your team to humanize the art of leadership.
Always remember to be approachable to your coworkers and employees. Take time to give them an opportunity to know you on a more personal level. Do you have kids? Talk about your son’s art class or daughter’s soccer game. What are you doing this weekend? Share your plans and hobbies. Maybe they can relate.
- Hold people accountable.
Being an even better leader means holding people accountable – be it for their work, their mistakes, their duties and responsibilities, etc. You are pushing your team/employees to grow, and they will not thrive if they are not held accountable.
- Lead with your heart. Trust in others.
With our core value being heart-based leadership, this is a critical component to becoming a better leader. Trust in yourself and trust your team. It is the foundation for any relationship, whether personal or professional.
- Mentor, don’t preach.
You are guiding and teaching your team to learn from you, so remember there is a fine line between mentoring and preaching. A true mentor advises and guides; speaks WITH their team instead of TO them.
- Be passionate.
Have passion. Without it, a job or task can become daunting. With it, you can move mountains and inspire others. John C. Maxwell, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership said “A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” No matter what role you are in, passion will get you to your goal.
- Listen and utilize effective communication.
As many of you may have learned from our U the Communicator class, we have “2 Ears. 1 Mouth. 4 a Reason.” Listen as well as you speak. Be genuinely interested in others concerns, goals and dreams. Communication is a two-way street that helps build a foundation of trust with your team.
What are some other leadership qualities U admire in others? Share with us in the comments below.
Want to expand upon your leadership skills even more? Or find out what’s blocking U from becoming the best leader U can be? Join us at an upcoming U the Leader class.