A 2015 survey of workplace culture cited 50% of those questioned left a job because of their manager. It can be difficult to be a good leader without the right tools. Faulty leadership skills can lead to reduced productivity around the office. While some people seem to be born leaders there are ways to hone your skills and become a powerful and inspiring leader when it doesn’t come naturally.
Be Selfless
The role of a leader can be alienating. Leadership is often associated with being the boss or separated from the rest of the team. However, the best leaders are those who see the role as not a dictatorship or see themselves as the boss, but take the approach of selflessness and putting themselves in a serving position. It is important to serve the greater good and act as part of the team.
Be Trusting
A good relationship between leader and follower is one where there is mutual trust. In order for
a leader to establish this relationship, it is important to express a level of trust in your employees. Showing them that you trust them to do work will in turn help them to trust you. It
also saves time when you have employees that you can rely on to accomplish tasks that you may be too busy to complete yourself.
Educate Yourself
Make sure to continually educate yourself to make yourself better and more effective leader. It is important to set an example on how to focus on work while simultaneously focusing on improving your knowledge. You will foster good report with your employees if you are knowledgeable and people feel they can come to you for advice, support, and the answers.
Motivate
Most great leaders inspire their employees through motivation such as a good mission statement, positive feedback, or shared goals. A leader who has inspired a shared vision will have a much easier time executing and producing that vision. People want to work hard when they feel they are part of something larger, not just punching the clock.
Be a Good Communicator
One of the most crucial factors of a successful business is the ability for employees and employers (or leaders) to communicate effectively. Failed communication leads to mistrust from employees and often leads to lack of productivity in the workplace.
Care About Your Work
Forbes cites enthusiasm as an essential quality to successful leadership. A positive attitude about work can go a long way, and it is often the case that employees prefer to work for someone who truly loves what they do.