Great leaders demonstrate behaviours that we generally recognise and appreciate [and applaud] from time to time. Genuine and authentic leadership is the ability to be receptive to everyone’s perceptions and the information and environments around them in order to continually adapt and learn.
You don’t necessarily have to have a big team that you are managing in order to be considered a leader and to need effective leadership skills. Whether it is in your home, your community, your sporting organisation, individuals constantly surprise and amaze when they demonstrate behaviour and skills that have a positive influence.
Research clearly shows that transformational leaders – leaders who are positive, inspiring, and who empower and develop followers – are better leaders. They are more valued by followers and have higher performing teams. To be this – you need to behave in a way that reflects these characteristics.
Here are some tips to consider in improving your leadership skills and spend some time working out how you can implement these in your daily life or work
Be Passionate
The most effective leaders I know, have a passion and enthusiasm for the projects they work on. Letting people know that you care about their progress and recognising their contributions will ensure continued enthusiasm from the people around you
Live in accordance with your values.
Making decisions and taking actions that are aligned with your values helps you succeed as people sense and notice something working with integrity and will naturally respect your opinion and leadership.
Serve as a role model
The best leaders walk the walk and talk the talk and as a result, these are generally people and behaviours that others wish to emulate. In becoming a better leader, work on behaving the way you would like others around you to as well.
Maintain a positive attitude.
People are naturally attracted to others that have a positive attitude. Positive leaders look for strengths instead of relentlessly focusing on deficits and gaps which research has shown will improve overall performance in individuals and teams.
Improve communication
Great leaders are generally described as great communicators – and are able to engage audiences, no matter the size, able to listen and work together with others.
Be willing to learn
Face it – No one is perfect, and everyone has made a mistake or two in their lives! The most successful leaders know that the key to success is not in failing, but admitting and learning from their mistakes.
Finally – understand your motivation. If you view your role as “just a job,” it’s going to show in how you behave. Is it the money, the power or prestige you care about? Or – do you sincerely want to inspire and lead people to be their best?
Leadership is an opportunity to build, grow and influence – see change and achievement in people and situations that cannot occur any other way then with and through a team of people or through the power of your individual influence.
