10 Powerful ways to Improve your Leadership
ability
Written
by Ms Arthie Moore
I
have been fascinated for many years, reading, listening to and enjoying the
various Leaders talk about Leadership traits and even had the privilege of
becoming a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach in the process. And the
greatest lessons that keep coming up are these profoundly simple teachings that
keep resonating with my soul.
Ø Leaders listen.
Ø They are open-minded.
Ø They take advice.
Ø They are inclusive.
Ø They are risk takers.
Ø They are good decision
makers. They make decisions that positively grow and impact everyone around
them.
Ø Good leaders are
constantly looking for ways to improve themselves through self development.
Ø They are good
communicators. Sharing their vision in a powerful way.
Ø They are influential and
trustworthy.
Ø They ask great questions.
In
an ever changing environment filled with tons of information at the touch of a
button, it is very easy to get lost in becoming technically good as a Leader.
But being able to leave a legacy is
one of the most powerful and most sought after effects that most people aspire
to without even realising it.
Our professional environment that is
now filled with vastly diverse cultures, religions, ages, experiences, education
levels and wisdoms, creates a lot of pressure and is a daunting task for a
Leader to work out how to harness every individual’s potential and be
influential at the same time.
So what
is the solution?
It is simple. As a good listener, a
thoughtful Leader will be able to ask great questions and engage with each
individual in a way that leaves them feeling respected, honoured and valued for
who they are.
People are willing to adjust to a
professional environment that values who they are as long as they feel heard.
Remember, most people want to know that you care about them, then only will they
care about what you want.
We hear that statement all the time,
but how does it actually translate into a practical everyday interaction of
effectiveness?
Here are
some simple tips to look out for:
ü Celebrate the abilities of
your people. No, you do not have to always give out incentives to make people
work and become productive. If you are a good leader that has some influence,
then your people will want to be high
achievers. However, the key would be to make sure that you acknowledge and
highlight every achievement no matter how small.
ü Create a circle of wisdom
where you ask the question and listen to the wisdom, guidance and knowledge of
your people. Then only do you take a decision that could impact everyone.
ü Encourage an environment
where people come to you with solutions to their problems and implement the one
that works best for them as well as the company.
ü Be flexible. That does not
mean that you implement every single suggestion, but listening to different
points of view actually opens your mind to different possibilities.
ü Use technology. Now this
may seem dumb now, but if you really used Social Media platforms to your
benefit, then you are make yourself more accessible.
o Create a private Facebook
page that brags about your people’s achievements. Allow people to post their
thoughts. Create an environment of positivity. Encourage updates that are
uplifting, thought provoking, inspirational and boosts morale. In other
words…get with the times.
o Use Whatsapp, Mixit,
LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter to improve your ability to communicate with
everyone at anytime.
o Youtube mass messages to
all of your people so that you ensure it is clear and understood. Straight from
the horse’s mouth right J
ü Be human. Be approachable.
Be gentle. Be kind. Be compassionate. Be strong. Be clear. Be you!!
But above all, my best
advice will always be this. If you truly enjoy what you do and you honour your
people, then you will always be on a journey filled with adventure, self
discovery and fulfilment.
Leaving a legacy does not
have to be a physical building. It is can be more powerful than that! You can
create Leaders who will build more people through your influence, guidance and
leadership.
Until the next time, take
care and have fun!
Ms Arthie Moore
www.arthiemoore.com