An ability to unlock the full potential of a workforce is a direct result of true, thoughtful, impactful leadership.
Regardless of the impact on results, knowing how to help employees both individually and collectively should be a goal for all business owners, managers and team leaders.
So, how can you lead your colleagues to greater success?
Read on for simple, practical suggestions. Implement them and you won’t go wrong!
The Key to Great Leadership
“Leaders will be those who empower others.” – Bill Gates.
#1. Create Comfortable, Appropriate Working Environments
We are all influenced by our surroundings, not least in the workplace. Everything from employee motivation to energy levels will be impacted by the surroundings. So, you need to ensure that you design a setting built with productivity in mind. It should be a safe, comfortable, and positive environment.
Whether it’s an office, store, or factory doesn’t matter. The right layout and interior design will serve you well. Spaces should avoid overcrowding. Meanwhile, risk assessments should be completed to remove trip hazards and fire threats. Bright color schemes and ample natural lighting should build a happier setting while also boosting energy levels.
Additional investments into ergonomic seating and furniture are also advised. When supported by comfortable break room facilities, a far stronger foundation is established.
#2. Demonstrate Sincere, Human Caring and Compassion
As a business leader, you are heavily focused on the needs of the company. However, understanding employees on a human level can make a huge difference.
People who feel valued will naturally want to give back to the firm. Removing potential fears or distractions helps enable them to perform to their full capabilities.
The importance of mental wellness is now better understood than ever before. If you want to give your employees an outlet to reach out for help, being sure they know the answer to the question “What is chaplain services?” is key.
The support of an external party can work wonders for workers when they need it the most. Investments in mental health first aid can be useful too.
On a similar note, it’s important to stamp out workplace bullying and problems between colleagues. Otherwise, the negativity that stems from this can cause productivity to fall.
#3. True Leadership Includes Mentorship
Most employees have a willingness to improve but do not know how to do it. They need guidance, and you are the person to provide it. It will empower employees by allowing them to take next steps with confidence. It also provides the opportunity to sculpt a workforce that perfectly reflects the needs of your business.
This guide to being a better mentor will provide valuable tips and help you understand the role.
Ultimately, though, the goal is to help employees lean on your experience and expertise to improve. As well as pointing them in the right direction, it steers them away from repeating your mistakes. You’ll also position them to work things out for themselves.
Of course, this can be supported further by training courses provided by outsiders. As long as you select outlets that align with your business needs, success is assured.
#4. Great Leadership Means Welcoming Feedback and Suggestions
Your guidance is valuable. Nevertheless, you have worked hard to recruit the best candidates for the job. They are experts in their field and often fill in the gaps in your own knowledge base. So, you should learn to appreciate that they will often have a better idea of what is needed for them to thrive. Especially in terms of equipment and resources.
With this in mind, you should be open to welcoming their suggestions. This guide to preparing effective feedback sessions is a great starting point. You can also introduce suggestion boxes or use an online platform for anonymous suggestions. The anonymity may encourage some employees to be more honest with their views on improving the firm.
For the best results, though, try to create a transparent situation. Show employees that you want to create a business that provides them with all necessary facilities.
#5. Great Leadership Means Rewarding Success
As a leader, you want to ensure that employees repeat good habits. To do this, you must make it 100% clear when you are happy with a result and encourage more of it. Rewarding employees is the most effective solution. This may start with financial rewards like commissions or staff perks like an extra day off.
While immediate rewards are a great starting point, you should focus on the future too.
Asking yourself, “How can I create paths to internal promotions?” is key.
Once established, employees will be motivated to work hard and climb the career ladder. Moreover, reducing staff turnover rates is hugely beneficial. For your finances as well as consistency.
Besides, rewarding success is a fantastic way to maintain strong levels of positivity. In turn, you should notice a significant increase in employee productivity.
#6. Great Leadership Supports Both Collaboration and Autonomy
Great communication is a central feature of any successful business. Today, teams are often split across multiple locations, and a host of tools may be required for collaboration. From team messaging Apps to project management tools, you should introduce them all.
It is equally important to let all employees have an input with innovations and assignments.
While creating a cohesive team unit is vital, you should also promote independence.
A little autonomy goes a long way. Employees will be more engaged with their work. And positioned to find answers without needing outside assistance.
This can also extend to WFH models or flexible rotations. As long as tasks are completed, and people are appropriately awarded for their growth and commitment, added responsibilities are a positive thing.
This allows for a situation that supports employees in their personal lives as well as their professional lives. The rewards this can bring are huge.
The Keys to Great Leadership: Go the Extra Mile!
Going the extra mile to support employees with the right surroundings and tactics will transform the business. Moreover, it cultivates a positive atmosphere that welcomes new recruits and helps them settle in seamlessly.
While all of the above steps are important, though, you must not forget to lead by example.
When employees can look to you and see a confident and competent leader, their performance levels will soar.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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