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How to be an effective leader

Are the leaders within our organisations people that we look up to? Are they respected and do they empower their employees?

Are the leaders within our organisations people that we look up to? Are they respected and do they empower their employees?

 

With the elections looming in both the USA and Australia, there was talk in our office about the questionable qualities of  Donald Trump as a leader and the impact of him potentially leading a nation.

This got me to thinking about what it takes to be a good leader.

Are the leaders within our organisations people that we look up to? Are they respected and do they empower their employees?

Here are 5 key areas that I feel need addressing in order to become a good leader:

1. Communication

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An essential part to leading any team or organisation. Not only do you need to have  the ability to listen, but to actually HEAR what is being said by your team and managers around you. By actively listening you will also be better informed to make decisions.

A good leader is able to utilise empathy and put themselves  in someone else’s shoes whilst strategically formulating plans or solutions and then communicate their vision effectively.

 

2. Education

A good leader never stops learning!

Whether it is about their customers, the industry, their role, new technology or new ways of doing things. Or simply about their team and ensure their team is educated as well.

 

3. Delegation

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Recognise your weaknesses and surround yourself with people who have strengths in areas you don’t and put your trust in their ability.

No one individual is good at everything – so build your team with people that complement each other and can contribute to the business as a whole.

 

4. Diversify

It is highly likely that your business has a range of different customers/clients or markets.

So welcome diversity within the hiring process and construct a team encompassing a mix of demographics – you will be better equipped to service a larger portion of your market.

On the flip side, different generations experience different strengths, so by mixing your team dynamics you will minimise the effect of any internal staffing issues.

 

5. Appreciation

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Everybody likes to feel appreciated in some way, shape or form. For some it may be as simple as “You did a great job” and others may prefer the more formal appraisal where various aspects of their position are broken down and individually assessed.

While others may welcome a day off, a coffee or some sort of monetary incentive or promotion.
Get to know your team and what works best for them so that they feel appreciated and in turn they will be less likely to move on if they know that you have their best interests at heart.

“Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others” – John Maxwell

This article was written by Kristi Gomm from InPlace Recruitment. 

What traits do you think a good leader should possess?