There is no right way to effectively lead a team but there are several characteristics common among leaders to consider when developing your leadership skills. Possess these qualities then watch your team reach higher goals and succeed in the workplace!
Empathy – Research shows that empathy in the workplace positively influences job performance. The ability to connect and relate with others is critical – both personally and professionally. It’s important to foster relationships and establish genuine connections with colleagues by recognizing their feelings, emotions and understanding situations from another’s perspective.
Communication – Direct and effective communication will help to clearly define the goals of team members. Speak in specifics and be clear about the result you want achieved. Poor communication can lead to low morale and undefined performance goals while effective communication builds morale and unites colleagues with a shared vision.
Decision-making – Well-thought-out decision-making can help steer an organization in the right direction. Exceptional decision-makers can evaluate the risks and opportunities then fully commit to their decision. Use logical reasoning when weighing the pros and cons of a course of action, keeping your emotions at check to make objective, rational decisions.
Resiliency – Leaders need to know how to persevere through tough times. Failures should be looked at as minor setbacks and used as important experiences to learn from. It is the leader’s responsibility to create a new strategy, maintain high morale, and forge a new path forward.
Apply these characteristics in different ways with your team to help foster a deeper level of engagement. Leadership is a professional development skill you will work on regularly throughout your career so remember to keep learning and growing to become an agile, effective leader.