Most businesses are focused on maintaining relationships with clients. However, a successful business depends on strong leadership and management skills. Your business will suffer if its employees are not performing at their best. Consider this: Are you a good leader for your team?
Do your actions speak louder than words?
The best way to understand Brandon Long Marketing and how to become a great leader is to show others. You can’t talk the talk if your team doesn’t do the same. You must set an example for your team and show them how to work together to achieve a goal. You can’t expect your team to dress in the same attire every day if you don’t do it yourself. Share your personal and professional secrets if you want your team’s productivity to increase. If you don’t know how to do them yourself, don’t expect your team member to. One of the most admirable traits of team leaders is their willingness to learn and then pass that knowledge on to their team. Effective leaders are those who can recognize this trait in their own business practices.
Next Step If you’re not setting an example, then take the initiative to change your behaviour immediately. How can you expect others to follow your golden guidelines if you are not following them? Take a moment to reflect on this.
Do you have compassion and patience, but are you firm?
Understanding how to be a great leader requires compassion for the human condition. Good leaders are compassionate and understanding. However, they don’t allow their team or themselves to compromise on the key elements that make a business successful. As a leader you must never be above your team. Instead, your role is to be beside them and willing to dig in the trenches along with them. While they look up to your leadership, you are also a trusted team leader. Because they are focused on their growth, it is a benefit to your business. Action step Reaffirming you are a part of a collective team, and working together as a cohesive unit. Inquire from your team members about their opinions at the next meeting. What’s working? What’s working? Listen first and offer solutions later. You can involve them by asking for their opinions and offering solutions. When you ask them for their opinion, it is important to be open-minded and willing to help solve problems.
Are YOU a personable leader?
The most valuable trait of a team leader is their willingness to teach. Some team leaders will lecture their staff and expect them learn new concepts in no time. This is a prime example of an ineffective group leader. Each person is different and a leader must be able to recognize this. While one member of a team may be able grasp concepts immediately, another person might require additional guidance. Effective leaders don’t criticize the learning style or pace of others. They adjust their teaching style accordingly to each member’s ability. Your team may be able to approach you and ask a question. A leader who is effective will always be available for their team, even in times of emergency. Your team won’t perform at their best if they are scared to seek your assistance.
Action Step: Practice being approachable. Sometimes your team members may reach out to you for assistance when it is convenient for them. You will often need to shift gears quickly without becoming frustrated or angry. Your approach to team members should be positive and professional.
How do you build team loyalty?
Fear is not a way to win loyalty. An effective leader is able to inspire trust and loyalty in the whole team. Your team will only stand behind you when you support them. This is where the support must be given and not expected before it can be returned. They will be able to recall the times you stood by them and went out of your way to help. They will be loyal if you stand by them. This creates loyalty and builds a great team mentality.
In building your team ensure you select quality team members that have a strong history of reliability, consistency in performance, and stability. A teenager who is not reliable at work will be a problem. You should be very careful about the potential team members. Do thorough background and reference checks before hiring them.
- Some other tips to increase team loyalty…
- Pay higher than the minimum wage
- Show flexibility in an emergency situation
- Give small gifts or holiday bonuses
- Hold teambuilding events (e.g. You can choose to have lunch, sports, or a coffeehouse afternoon trip.
Remember to mark anniversaries on birthdays or employment anniversary
Action step Evaluate your team members. Are they the right person for the job? Can they provide the business with what it needs to grow? Are you providing support and motivation for the team’s success? Recognize any changes or adjustments required to make your business more efficient.
How did you do? Leadership takes hard work and personal development. There are some people who will never be good leaders. It isn’t their style. You, as an entrepreneur, are responsible for being the best leader you can to help your company grow and your staff. The only thing that will determine your success is you. You can make your success a priority by committing to yourself and your team.
