We have all had one, a leader or manager who has left a positive imprint or memory with us and one who has done the opposite. Unfortunately, it is often the negative experience we will more likely remember, the way they made us feel at that time about our capabilities, ourselves and what we bring. When you lead people it is a privilege, the impact you can have on others can be significant, both positive if you get it right and catastrophic if you get it wrong. So getting into some good habits upfront can ensure you are an unforgettable leader for the right reasons.
To help, here are my 5 habits for being an unforgettable leader.
1st habit - Lead by example
Both consciously and unconsciously we learn by watching others ‘do’. So when you are in a leadership position, the way you lead yourself and others, teaches others what good looks like, whether you are conscious of it or not. For example, people will take note of the way you handle conflict within your team and are likely to replicate that approach when they then face that situation. Behaviour breeds behaviour so be mindful of the example you are setting as a leader.
2nd habit - Show empathy
Having an empathetic leadership approach is not new news and in my experience of leading people, it is an approach which has no disadvantages. Put simply it can be defined as having the ability to put yourself in another person's shoes and understanding why they may feel the way they do. Let's reflect, I am sure we have all been in situations when someone has shown us empathy and it has made us feel understood, heard, seen. It is no different in leadership, having an empathetic approach is critical to building connection with others and enhances productivity.
Habit 3 - Trust and empower others
If you are new to leading people, one of the most common mistakes a new leader can make is thinking that they have to do their own job plus everyone else’s in their team too. This is even more prevalent if you are leading a team in a function where you used to do the job pre promotion. If this is you, please stop!
You will not only press the self destruct button on yourself but also pee off those who are now in your team. A key first step is to start to become more comfortable with stepping away from the day to day, trusting others ideas, solutions, approaches and empowering them to give it a go, their way. It might be different from yours but that is ok. The results will come, I know this for a fact because when you empower others to come up with their own answers a magic happens, they are more bought into the plan and want to deliver for you, not because of you. Read that again, there is a difference!
Habit 4 - Communicate well
When you are in a position of leadership, the ability and significance of communicating well is critical. Why? Because good communication is a core leadership attribute. As a leader you need to be a skilled communicator as you often have countless relationships to build, maintain and influence. As a leader you need to get into the habit of thinking with clarity, expressing ideas and messages clearly, sharing information so everyone understands regardless of their learning preferences. Leaders must be purposeful and intentional about communicating effectively which links into my final habit...
Habit 5 - Authenticity
It counts - a lot! Be honest and sincere, find your own voice and quit using corporate speak that isn't you. People want and respect authentic leadership so let who you are and what you value come through in your communication style. Don't worry about sounding eloquent, worry about sounding real and genuine!
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