Tops Tips About Leadership That Anyone Can Follow
Some people think leaders are born, not made. That is just not true. Just like most other qualities important to life and business, learning how to be a good leader is a key to success. It takes study, practice and learning what inspires others. Read these tips to develop your leadership qualities.
Be transparent with potential issues as often as possible. Business issues can't be hidden as they once were. You may be wondering why. Today's world is highly communicative. What's done in the dark comes out in the light eventually. Instead of reacting, control. Good leaders know to go down this road.
Walk the talk. Leaders don't say one thing and do another. That is confusing to employees, and demotivating in many ways. Instead live by what you say. Follow through and lead by example. Then you'll have more than employees, you'll have champions who believe in your business and your leadership too.
Learn your employee's names. A great leader takes the time to learn the names of his or her most immediate staff, and even the names of the top performers under them. It shows them that you care enough about them to know them not just as a worker, but as a real person.
Talk to other leaders. This can be a great way to get feedback on ideas and to figure out how best to address concerns and problems. This will also give you time to observe other leadership styles and techniques. You may find something useful, or you might inspire someone else.
Think about working as a team. Be solid about the goals you set for yourself. As well, take account of your business goals. These should complement each other, as well as overlap in some areas. You'll always be able to have both of these things worked on simultaneously. If this is not possible, you may lack enthusiasm for your work.
Make sure that people know that you want the team's success. If you're in a position of power, some may suspect that you only want glory for yourself. That's why it is important to do things that let others know you are on their side, and that your leadership will produce good results for everyone.
Learn how to present persuasively. Presentation skills are something every great leader needs to master. You'll be on stage, and the results will be the perception that sticks with the crowd. Not only about you, but also about the company. If you are a strong presenter, you can make a major difference in how people perceive your leadership.
If you are in a leadership role, make it a point to avoid using harsh, or discouraging comments with your team members. Instead of using negative reinforcement, try starting the conversation with a positive comment, then gently easing into your problem or concern. This helps them to let their guard down, and remember that you are on their side.
Good leaders hire good people to work for them. If you refuse to hire individuals that you fear may become competition, you undermine your own chances for success. Search out people who are as passionate about your industry as you are and encourage their problem solving abilities and reward their successes.
Maintain a positive attitude. As the leader, you set the tone for your business. You need to make sure that the tone you set is one of possibilities, positivity and patience. Always encourage those under you to think in terms of the solution and not the problem, so that they too can keep an air of positivity as they go about their work.
As a leader, you probably have certain goals, ethics here and values that help to form your leadership model. These are important qualities of a good leader. It is a good idea to write these things down, and then share them with your employees, or team members. This way, they know what you are about, and what is expected of them.
Be an honest and ethical role model for your employees. Honesty with your employees is the best way to build trust. Make sure your employees understand the ethical expectations you have for them. More than that, always behave in an ethical way yourself. If your employees observe you behaving dishonestly, they will do so as well.
Maintain a positive attitude. As the leader, you set the tone for your business. You need to make sure that the tone you set is one of possibilities, positivity and patience. Always encourage those under you to think in terms of the solution and not the problem, so that they too can keep an air of positivity as they go about their work.
Learn how to laugh. Yes, you've got a serious job with a lot of responsibilities, but leadership isn't born out of tension and stress. Sometimes you need to learn how to lighten the mood. Not just for yourself, but for your employees too. If you've hit some rough patches, it's your responsibility as a leader to help your team get out of it.
Make sure that you are approachable. Spend time with your employees. Let them come to you with their concerns. If you have a busy schedule, try and find an hour or two when you can handle interruptions. Make sure your employees know that they should feel comfortable approaching you with any concerns or questions during these hours.
If you are new to leadership, you must accept the fact that you have a lot to learn. You may be an expert in your field, but learning to lead can be daunting. Don't be afraid to take advice from others, including your team, or workforce. Ask questions, and ask for suggestions. Most great leaders began as followers.
Pay attention to what your employees are not saying. Learn to read body language in order to understand the feelings they are not displaying to you verbally. If everyone in the room is unhappy and nobody is speaking up, it is time to bring an issue to the table. This helps to promote communication, and it makes your organization a better one.
Your actions should be decisive. If you want people to really look up to you as a leader, you're going to have to know how to decide on things quickly and then stand behind your decisions. People don't want to follow those who are indecisive and wishy-washy. Unless you must, don't change your mind.
There are many things a great leader must understand, thus making success a challenge. Still, it is possible to become a great leader. If you are ready, use the information here so you can position yourself in the role of leader.
How a former ISU basketball coach found new purpose after a stint in federal prison
Minutes after the Iowa State University men’s basketball team lost to the Michigan State Spartans in the 2000 Elite Eight game, I found myself searching for a place of solitude in the Palace at Auburn Hills.
I walked the circular hallway dodging people left and right looking for an open door. I found one and stepped inside a pitch-black, small room. I laid on whatever was in front of me, my screams and sobbing echoed for what seemed like an hour.
My heart had been ripped in two knowing that the biggest dream of my coaching career was over. Millions had seen us lose and the season that was heading toward a national championship was over.
Never before or after did I feel that kind of sheer agony from losing a basketball game.
For a little guy 8 years old, I fell in love with basketball. Here I was 35 years later at the pinnacle of the college game as one of its most promising coaches. Maybe I would lead my own big-time program or coach in the NBA. The sky was the limit.
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