Becoming an inspirational leader means working for impact and not a title.
This means being humble enough to accept feedback from everyone on your team and using it as a tool for rapid growth.
Do What You Say You Will
This is Leadership 101, but it becomes increasingly challenging as your team grows.
Trust takes time to develop, but missing commitments will cause your team to question your competence.
Model The Way
Out words can have an impact, but our actions speak loudest.
To inspire your team, you need to model the values you expect from the people around you.
Believe in Your Team
You show your team you believe in them by empowering them to make decisions, focusing on their strengths, and encouraging them to challenge themselves.
It is incredible how much a team will accomplish when they know their boss believes in them.
Build on Strengths
People who focus on their strengths are 3x as likely to report an excellent quality of life and 6x as likely to be engaged with their work.
Encourage your team to do more of the things they do well.
Be Grateful
The best form of gratitude is unexpected and personal.
Recognition programs should be part of every team dynamic, but inspiring leaders will also make time to think about things going well and recognize the hard work of those contributing.
Honor Your Emotions
The emotions you are experiencing will impact how you see the world around you.
As a leader, your team needs you to protect your peace.
- Meditate
- Journal
- Exercise
Do the things that help you be at your best.
Trust and Verify
When your team commits, be sure you agree on the way to verify the task was completed.
You will want to be there to coach opportunities and recognize the things going well.
You won’t be able to do either without following up.
Highlight Brightspots
To create change on your team, make it a priority to recognize those doing the things you want more of.
The things that are recognized are repeated.
Admit Your Mistakes
Sorry that you don't have it all figured out. The good news is that nobody does.
Be transparent when you make mistakes. It will help create a culture where growth is encouraged.
Growth Mindset is a big deal.
Start With a Story
Inspiring leaders know how to tell a story that connects with their audience.
Keep a catalog of stories you can pull from.
Here is a story structure you can pull from:
- Context and Characters
- Introduce the Problem
- The Solution
- Explain the Impact
I hope this helps a few of you make a big impact on those you serve.
I’m posting at least two threads focused on positivity and leadership every week. Hit the follow button and stay in touch
Like most companies these days, they promoted from within
If you’re out of the loop on the benefits of promoting from within, here’s a 90-second summary:
It's Effecient
Onboarding new managers hired internally is a much simpler process than a new manager unfamiliar with your organization's systems, culture, and expectations.
This means your team spends less time in limbo, wondering who their new boss will be.
Less Expensive
You can hire 4 internal candidates for the cost of 1 external candidate.
Internal candidates are also more likely to stay.
(If your Development and HR teams aren't working together, now is the time to start.)