Leadership is often defined as the act of leading, guiding or directing. It’s a pretty simple definition but one needs to look deeper to understand how to perform as an effective leader. Understanding the needs of those you lead will uncover key points that should be taken into consideration when leading.
Money is not the key driver for job satisfaction. Employees are more likely to be retained if the values and mission of the company they work for reflect their own. They want to feel connected with their company and fulfilled by the work they perform. Studies have shown, managers who have tapped into their emotional intelligence to connect with employees and not simply rely on the general industry knowledge, have become more effective leaders in the workplace.
What are some emotionally driven leadership habits that leaders can implement into their management strategy?
1)Regular check-ins with each employee
Speak with employees about their goals and aspirations. Get to know them, one-on-one, and understand why they are there. Not only should managers know what the employee wants out of this particular work experience, but they should discover what the employee is interested in. Taking a moment to understand your employees on a more personal level shows that you not only care about their work performance but how they are doing in all aspects of their life.
2) Create Opportunities
Be creative and identify ways employees can use their talents to contribute to the good of the workplace. Skills are not created equally. But different strengths can provide opportunities to see a task from a different perspective. Different perspectives can lead to innovative ways to perform tasks or develop products. This can benefit an employee’s career and ultimately the company.
3) Lead by example
Leaders earn a great deal of respect from their employees when they get involved in the work. If leaders think they are bigger than the task at hand, employees will come to disengage from the task and the job itself.
4) Recognize efforts
Sometimes results take time. Be a cheerleader and recognize the effort that the employees are putting forth. It’s easy to get discouraged when things take time. Identifying efforts can re-energize the employee’s determination to get the job done.
By taking the time to tap into employee passions, team leaders can more accurately portray company values and instill a sense of collaboration within the team. With that collaboration, leaders can then focus their team on a common goal.
This blog was originally posted on Medium.com