What makes successful managers so successful? It’s their ability to act like a leader instead of a boss. Simply managing a team doesn’t make you a leader. Organizations with great leaders cultivate a working environment that makes its employees want to grow in new and exciting ways. Here are a few ways to develop your leadership capabilities and inspire those around you.
Teaches
A leader will work to create an atmosphere where teaching and learning are common practice. It’s essential for you to provide your team with opportunities to learn new skills and stay up to date on the latest news in your industry. This will help each employee grow as a professional and person. Let your team members know it’s okay to make mistakes, but that they can learn from them. During the work day, step in when you see someone struggling to learn a new skill or a project.
Listens
Leaders will listen to what other team members have to say and value their feedback. You should strive to encourage an open line of communication between you and your employees. Team morale will boost if your employees know that you’re always listening to them. Even when you’re in charge, hearing from others in your organization or company can help you generate ideas and continue to grow as a leader.
Has a Hands-on Approach
As a leader, you should remain autonomous but step in when necessary into order to keep your team on the path to success. When a team member brings forth a problem, a good leader will then step in and work out a solution. When problems arise, you should show your team members how to fix the problem, not just do it yourself.
Encourages Ideas
Leaders will look for new ideas outside of the office and bring it back to the team for discussion. This shows by example that generating new ideas is always welcome. You should encourage your employees to come up with unique ideas that will help them and the rest of the team. By collaborating with your entire team, you allow ideas to develop in different directions.
Fosters Relationships
Get to know your employees on a personal level; ask them how their weekend was or use tine at the beginning of team meetings to discuss plans or activities outside of work. This will let your employees know that you genuinely care about their work-life balance. Encourage your employees to come to you when they have a problem or issue that needs resolved, personal or work related. By caring about your team’s wellbeing, you’ll be able to build a significant amount of trust.
If you’re not checking off every example from the list above, don’t worry! Luckily, you can learn all of these skills and work them into your management style. Good leaders will strive to continue learning new ways to better their team. Even if you don’t see yourself as a leader right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t become one; everyone has the opportunity to lead!
This article was originally published on leonardoddo.com