Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
If you want to get ahead in your career and personal life, being the best leader you can be is important. The thing is, being a good leader is not about barking orders at people or perfecting your intimidating stare, as some leaders seem to think. No, it is about building trust, being reliable, and always being willing to do what needs to be done. Being kind and compassionate is also significant if you want to be a better leader. Want to know more? Here’s how to be a better leader in three simple steps.
Assess Your Leadership Style
Are you the cheerleader, the drill sergeant, or the “cool boss” who lets everything slide until deadlines come crashing down? Take a moment to figure out your leadership style—strengths, weaknesses, and all — with the help of the infographic below. Pro tip: ask your team for honest feedback about your leadership style. This is also important for women who work at home or have a family. Leadership isn’t just for large companies. If any of your constituents (business or otherwise) hesitate, you might need to work on approachability.
Infographic by:Leadership Development
Listen More, Talk Less
Nobody likes a leader or parent who hogs the spotlight by talking all the time. Your team and family’s ideas are just as valuable as yours, so give them space to shine. Plus, listening shows you care, which is half the battle of earning their respect. This is particularly true with diverse staff or if you have teens.
Some of your staff members could need more attention from you because of language or cultural differences. You cauld do a survey and ask if there are any needs that aren’t being met. This could be a way to be a better leader at home as well.
Lead by Example
If you’re rolling in late and dodging work, guess what… your team notices. Chances are, they follow your example because they don’t worry about being called out. Show them how it’s done by staying motivated, organized, and willing to jump in when things get tough. Displaying outstanding behavior to your family also goes a long way to unity and success at home.
At the end of the day, great leaders don’t just boss people around (employees or kids) they inspire, support, and occasionally bring donuts…teehee. I hope that you have had exceptional examples of leadership in your work and home life. So, go forth and lead like the boss lady you want to be!
