Contributed article in our leadership series. Enjoy! – Kimberly
If being a great leader in the workplace was easy, everyone would be doing it. The good news is that there’s always an opportunity to improve your abilities and overcome your fears so you can develop into a successful boss and mentor.
What you can’t do is give up on yourself or stop trying to advance in this area if it’s a goal you want to accomplish. There are a few areas you’ll want to put most of your energy into so you can become the leader you always knew you could be. Enjoy the challenge and watching yourself grow and learn over the years.
Listen Carefully
Great leaders know when to talk, when to listen, and when to understand the importance of lending an open ear, even to their subordinates. You not only need to be able to give out and communicate directions clearly, but you have to be attentive to and comprehend what others are trying to tell you.
There’s a lot you can learn from other people when you’re open and willing to hearing them out without using judgment or jumping to conclusions.
Speak up with Solutions
Another action you need to take to be a great leader is to speak up with solutions and not always come to the table with problems.
“All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership.” – John Kenneth Galbraith
For example: You might suggest that your team adopt more technology solutions going forward so they can do their jobs with less difficulty. Go online to learn more about CircuitStudio, for example, and what this design tool can do for your staff members and then present them with the idea in a professional manner.
Admit & Learn from Your Mistakes
Great leaders know that they aren’t perfect and also aren’t afraid to make mistakes. Not only that, but they’re wise enough to learn from their errors and not commit the same blunders time and time again. You have to be brave enough to admit when you’re in the wrong and not feel ashamed of it or of failing. This is how you learn and develop and are able to grow into the leader you were meant to be.
Keep A Positive Attitude
One of the major reasons people admire a great leader is because they always seem to keep a positive attitude. This is an extremely important quality to have and will get you far both in life and in your career. To be a great leader you have to be able to inspire and pick people back up even when in a difficult situation. You have to be capable of seeing the bright side and staying hopeful that you’ll eventually experience better days ahead.
Conclusion
These are a few qualities and actions of great leaders that are worth noting as you try to advance your career. Accept that it may not be an easy road to the top, but that your efforts will be well worth it in the end. Remember to always treat people with respect, and help others who are struggling to become leaders themselves throughout your journey.
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