caring

Three Things That Great Leaders Do Regularly

By in Leadership Tags: , ,

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At a lot of companies, leaders say that they’re there to serve the shareholders and make a profit. But according to author Marcel Schwantes, the best and most successful leaders feel like they’re there to serve their employees. If their employees are happy and productive, the customers will be happy with the services that they’re receiving, and the business will thrive. Great leaders need to care about their employees and show them that their work is valued and appreciated.

So how is this done? What should great leaders do to show their employees that they care, and ensure that their employees are happy and productive? Here are three things that every leader should do regularly:

  1. Talk to your employees about what they like to do best – Get to know your employees and find out what they like to do. And then let them do it. Employees do their best work (and are the most productive) when they’re allowed to focus on the tasks that make them feel engaged and happy.
  2. Acknowledge the work that your employees do – Don’t just praise the people who are working on the high-profile projects. Everyone on your team is contributing to the company’s success. Let them know that you can see the work that they do, and you appreciate it.
  3. Allow your employees to grow and change – If your employees become interested in different aspects of the business and would like to start taking on new types of projects, you should seriously consider it. Even if they’ve been very successful in their current roles, you should give them the chance to branch out. Allow your employees to start moving into new roles, and give them opportunities to take on new responsibilities. Your employees will be much less likely to leave and take a job somewhere else if they’re able to stretch their wings in their current positions.

 

Schwantes, M. (2019, May 9). How can you spot really good leaders? They are known for doing these 3 things daily. Inc. Retrieved from: https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/how-to-spot-really-good-leaders-known-for-3-things-daily.html

To Be a Great Leader, There’s One Very Important Thing You Need to Do

By in Leadership Tags: ,

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When you think about the qualities of great leaders, you might think about the importance of having vision. Great leaders need to think about where the group wants to go and the best way to get there. They also need to be able to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and make decisions.

But ultimately, leadership is about relationships. It’s about the connection between leaders and the people who follow them. Indeed, you can’t be a leader without followers. Leadership is a group process.

So if you want to be a great leader, you have to build a strong connection with your employees. You have to care about the people you’re leading.

According to author Jeff Haden, if leaders simply make announcements, talk about company goals, and give orders, their employees will nod their heads in agreement and then go back to doing their work the way they always have in the past. In contrast, if leaders demonstrate that they truly care about their employees, the employees will do anything to help their leaders accomplish their goals.

So how can you let your employees know that you care? Here are a few suggestions:

  • Listen to your employees’ thoughts, ideas, and concerns. You should also try to act on those ideas when it makes sense to do so.
  • Get to know your employees as people. Try to go beyond polite small talk and learn something about their interests and activities outside of work.
  • Don’t be scary. Talk and behave in an approachable manner so your employees will feel comfortable interacting with you.
  • Show emotion. You don’t have to be stoic to be an effective leader. If you’re feeling happy, sympathetic, or sad, it’s fine to express those emotions. It will help your employees to see you as human and relatable.
  • Don’t be quick to judge others. If an employee makes a mistake, don’t immediately form a negative perception of that person. Instead, take the time to give the employee some helpful feedback and a little support.
  • Demonstrate positive behaviors. Be engaged, work hard, and make an effort to be positive and upbeat. Your employees will see the way you behave, and appreciate your efforts. It will also encourage them to behave in a similar manner.

 

Haden, J. (2016, December 22). Want to be a great leader? Do this 1 thing first (most bosses do the opposite). Inc. Retrieved from: http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/want-to-be-a-great-leader-do-this-one-thing-first-most-bosses-do-the-opposite.html

 

Phillips, A. (2014, August 26). Want to be a better leader? Show employees you care. Entrepreneur. Retrieved from:  https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/236806