Did you know that one of the top challenges for CEOs is developing new leadership? Having great leaders is getting more important with time. Businesses know this, but only less than 5% have development programs at all levels. Tied this to the fact that the number of quits is alarming; out of 10 total separations, 6 to 7 were people quitting. According to a November 2021 report shared by the Bureau of Labor of Statistics, the number of employees that quit their job reached an all-time high of 4,527,000.
Since employees are quitting, there’s a scarcity of leaders to take on many roles and positions left out at companies. The effort it takes to be proactive is far outweighed by the substantial benefits proactivity and leadership can manifest. Therefore, whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting this journey, these are some of the best ways you can take the lead with your business.
Lead by example
Before becoming a great leader, a way to gain trust from your superiors and people under you is by being an example. For instance, see the case of manager Joe.
Joe is an IT manager in charge of all system and technology operations. He comes first at work to plan his schedule. While all co-workers are arriving, Joe is already there, greets them, asks them about their day, and compliments their work. When there’s conflict, Joe listens to both parties and helps them find a solution that benefits those involved. Also, Joe finishes all his duty on time.
Being a figure to look up to is essential for business success, building employees’ trust in work ethic and human level.
Build and buy items to last
Having a good relationship with your employees by being an example figure is vital for your success, but don’t forget why you are there. A leader’s mark is a strategic mind and commitment to company goals. One of these decisions is deciding whether to build up a business or buy items. You always have to be one or even two to three steps ahead as a leader:
- Learning which technologies are going to be prevalent
- Understanding new processes to optimize work
- Taking employees’ needs into account
As a leader, you need to have a vision. Every time you’re going to commit, whether on building or buying, ask you a question. Why does this matter? Sometimes a simple expense like buying a durable custom canopy will save money in the future in all company events.
Take risks
Every business decision, updating systems, focusing on another project, and delegation takes risks. That’s why a key skill for any leader is knowing is being smart about risk. There’s a lot on your shoulders, so the best way to improve is to train yourself. Something as small as changing a coffee machine. Or, in your personal life, you can invest in a passion project. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Errors and mistakes help you develop your judgment and improve your decision-making when making risky choices.
Ask for help when you need it
As a leader, there are many areas in which you are an expert, but no one can do it all. That’s when you need to ask for help when you need it. As a figurehead, you need to be humble, except when someone is an expert in an area you don’t know.
This opportunity will guarantee at the moment of taking delicate procedures that you’re safe and sure that your plan gets backed by experience and expertise. Instead of jumping into the unknown or uncertainty, accept the help of others and rise to even higher highs.
Engage in honest communication
In all work environments, communication is integral for a business or company. To align goals, get work done, and achieve everything you set for yourself and, more importantly, the company. Nonetheless, there are a lot of cases where leaders can’t communicate properly or don’t even want to do it. One step to solve this is to communicate better with honesty. As a leader, one exercise that you should always improve at is listening. Hear your employees’ concerns and reply with honesty.
Help your employees succeed
Maybe the company is your life, but for an employee, it is perhaps a stepping stone for his career. There are also going to be loyal “lifer” workers. Your job as a leader is to help both. Several methods will help your employees succeed, therefore helping you achieve your goals.
A good boss has empathy. They put themselves in the place of their employees. Therefore, they can make decisions that benefit the employees’ situation best. Before you stepped into a leadership position, someone likely inspired you or was a mentor figure for you. Be that person employees remember with nostalgia that helps them achieve their goals and dreams.
Be a teacher, not a tyrant
To be at the top, you must be talented and great at your job. People who commonly get stuck only focusing on themselves will get forgotten as leaders. That’s because a great leader it’s a facilitator, a guide for your employees.
Employees collaborate with you and can also look up to you. Therefore, your attitude greatly affects their work-life. They can get discouraged or encouraged by your attitude. Collaboration is a must to grow a business. Employees that benefit from your guidance can become your biggest ally in your future. Try to assume the role of a teacher. Help them learn and develop the future of leadership.
Conclusion
The journey of developing leadership is endless. A good leader it’s always going to find room for improvement. All of this advice is a great place to start. However, keep them in mind all the time and keep nurturing them.
Remember that questioning your skills and thinking in advance are your big allies. Use this in leadership too. Remember, lead by example in your business, communicate well, listen to your employees and help them succeed by being a teacher figure.