Written by: Leslie Bosch, PhD, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you consider yourself a leader? Or wish you were a leader? Leaders have to inspire those around them while remaining strong. Uncertainty and difficult situations do not stop leaders from taking charge.
Leaders use many strategies to lead others.
Using these techniques will aid you in your endeavor to be a great leader:
Focus on the company’s goal. If you focus on the goal of your business, then it will be easier to lead others and show them how to achieve it.
Follow through on your promises. A real leader keeps the promises made during meetings.
Avoid micromanaging. Micromanaging can have a negative impact on the group you’re trying to lead.
Respect the opinions of others. Allow them to share their ideas.
Listen to the needs of others. If you listen carefully, you’ll discover more about what motivates your team members.
Avoid procrastinating. It can destroy your leadership goals.
Stay determined. Once you make a decision, stay with it.
Allow others to see your emotions. Your leadership will benefit from showing a human side.
Look for answers outside of the norm. The ability to think differently is a crucial leadership skill.
Admit mistakes. Pretending that a mistake didn’t happen will make your coworkers lose respect for you.
Use your coworkers to brainstorm. Your coworkers can help find solutions and feel like they’re part of the process to resolve issues.
Avoid intimidating others. Fear can prevent positive interactions.
Give your coworkers room to grow. They need to be able to make progress and set their own goals.
Let your coworkers make suggestions. As a leader, you can make better progress if the entire team is able to make recommendations.
Show your expertise. If you know the answers, don’t let others struggle to find them.
Spend time with your coworkers. Leaders need to know and understand the people around them.
Keep an open door policy. Let your team members know that you’re willing to listen 17 to them at any time.
Keep everything transparent. Transparency can help you avoid rumors and gossip.
Stay flexible. A real leader can be flexible while still being in charge.
Understand the point behind an idea. If you dig deep into an idea, you’ll see how and why it was created.
Accept that some team members need more attention. Different personalities require different leadership strategies.
Stay confident. Confidence is contagious.
Ensure your team members know their responsibilities. This will encourage them to stay focused.
Work on weaknesses. If mistakes or issues appear, it’s important to work through them to find positive solutions.
Be willing to become a mentor. A real leader is willing to help the next generation.
Leslie Bosch, PhD, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Leslie Bosch, PhD, is a developmental psychologist specializing in leadership development, stress management, and life-work balance. Before Dr. Leslie started her own business, like many Americans, she was working long hours in a very demanding job. Unfortunately, she was also mismanaging her health and wellness. She didn't realize it at the time, but Dr. Leslie was unwittingly trading her well-being, health, and personal relationships for career success. When Dr. Leslie experienced burnout, she decided to turn things around! Since then, Dr. Leslie has dedicated her life to helping high-achieving men and women strike a healthy life-work balance. Dr. Leslie is the founder of Bosch Integrative Wellness.
