There are several marks of a good leader every man and woman who is in charge has in common. It is why they are in charge.
These leaders keep many of the same factors at the forefront of what they do each and every day. They know what their limitations and strengths are, they know how to communicate effectively, and they are almost always self-starters. HR consulting has compiled the following list of 10 key factors that make someone into a good leader.
- Maintain A Positive Attitude
Individuals always enjoy a positive environment in the workplace, and it starts at the top. When a manager maintains a positive attitude, the employees under them are more productive and engaged. When the person in charge is confident and enthusiastic about the work, the rest of the workers will follow in a happy mood.
Understandably, it is not always possible to be positive towards each and every task a leader needs to address. Although the more negativity a leader projects, the more likely they will see negative results. A good leader understands the immediate and long-term impact they have on the people they have working under them.
- Set A Good Example
If the management team is dressed down or like slobs, then the workforce will take their cue from them and do the same. A good leader projects not only a good attitude but professional dress and behavior.
A good role model for the workforce arrives on time and is ready to work. This will encourage staff to act the same and become as professional as the boss.
Leading by example is the mark of a good leader. A leader would not want to reprimand someone under them for doing the exact offending behavior they continue to project.
- Fair at Arm’s Length
As a leader, you need to maintain the respect of your team, however, that doesn’t mean to be aloof and unapproachable. A leader can be fair and available while at the same time being in charge.
There is no reason to be “best buds” with your employees, but the friendliness is always appreciated. If you were to be overly friendly with your staff, they may lose respect for you as their leader.
- Get to Know Your Employees
Keeping your employees at arm’s length is having a degree of separation, but you will also need to know who each individual employee is at their core. That doesn’t mean knowing every detail of their life but know what makes them an individual.
Get to know what motivates each worker to show up each day and do a good job. By incorporating their wants and desires into the way you deal with them, an employee will feel more a part of the team and not like an outsider.
You will also need to realize each person is at a different level in their career, with some individuals wanting to advance and others enjoying where they are.
- Take Responsibility for Your Actions
As a leader, you will need to own your successes as well as your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and if a leader thinks they are perfect, they will fail more often than succeed.
When you as the boss takes responsibility for things that go wrong, you are encouraging others to do the same. When your employees make mistakes, they will be more likely to own up to them rather than hide or pass them off as someone else if you set a good example.
Once a mistake is located and you take responsibility for it, continue to set a good example to employees by correcting the mistake and not making a big deal out of it. Correct and move on and they will do the same when the time comes.
- Make Timely and Sound Decisions
It is paramount to any business running smoothly that a person in charge is able to make informed and sound decisions in a timely fashion. If a supervisor has been given the opportunity to solve problems immediately and has the authority for decision making, then they will be a strength of their team and not a hindrance.
Leading a team of employees is not always easy, and if the leader can’t make his or her own decisions, having to ask another person higher up, then they will lose their credibility with the people under them.
- Be Proficient
You cannot expect your team to do something you don’t know how to do yourself. Be technically proficient and try to stay one step ahead of your best employee.
However, if you don’t know how to do something, don’t be afraid to say so and ask for help. When you ask for help, be sure to be thankful and not angry because you don’t know. By the same token, don’t apologize for not knowing something. Remain neutral.
- Continuously Develop Leadership Skills
Take advantage of continuous improvement programs anywhere they are offered. When you seek to improve upon yourself, others will also.
Knowing your own strengths and limitations, and then working hard to improve both of these, will set a good example for your team. An effective leader never stops learning and teaching others what they learn.
- Keep Your Team Informed
Get in the habit of reviewing what is happening within your company as well as within the industry. Then share this information with your employees.
When everyone is on the same page, a team works better. When each individual worker knows what is going on within the industry, they will strive to surpass what is expected of them.
- Take Care of Drama
No one likes drama, and it can lead to dysfunction within the team. As a leader, it is your responsibility to call out and take care of those who are causing drama.
Take care of individuals who only want to cause trouble before trouble gets out of hand. Stand firm. That is what your job as a leader is about, control and keeping the atmosphere as even as possible.
Keep negativity, as well as rumors, from impacting the workplace. Maintain a firm but friendly atmosphere in which each employee feels comfortable and willing to come to you with any issues.