There are many aspects to being a leader.
Knowledge, experience, strategic thinking.. etc. etc.
But when it comes to being a truly successful leader it comes down to the relationships.
How a leader treats the people they work with will determine their level of success.
After discussing it with our team, we came up with the following five differences between SUCCESSFUL and UNSUCCESSFUL Leaders
- Successful Leaders CONGRATULATE their team members on a job well done while Unsuccessful Leaders are very quick to CRITICISE when things aren’t going according to plan. A positive culture of support and encouragement will go a long way in building trust between a leader and the team. Even when giving negative feedback a leader who wants to build a strong team will use empowering rather than humiliating behaviours.
- Many of us have worked for a leader who believed that they were above us all, they believe that they HAVE THE RIGHT to be superior. It’s not a winning formula. On the other hand, a leader who shows GRATITUDE to their staff and acknowledges the contribution they make will build trust in their followers.
- At the end of the day leaders are people, and what was it Eleanor Roosevelt said about people? “Great minds DISCUSS IDEAS while small minds DISCUSS PEOPLE” therein lies the key to building a positive culture and a road map to success for your team. Don’t participate or tolerate any in fighting or gossip, unite your team and discuss the ideas you need to reach your goals. People are not going to follow a small minded person whether they are in a leadership position or not.
- A fundamental to great leadership is the ability to empower others, they are genuinely happy to see their employees succeed. A key factor to empowerment is the ability to SHARE KNOWLEDGE. A team cannot grow and develop under a leadership that WITHHOLDS KNOWLEDGE from them.
- Leaders step up and take responsibility, every time! Many people can tell a tale of being publicly thrown under the bus by a superior. Weak leaders are very quick to lay BLAME anywhere but upon themselves. It’s underhanded behaviour and one that erodes trust and respect. Strong leaders on the other hand understand that they are RESPONSIBLE for their own mistakes and at times even for the mistakes of their team.