Delegating tasks and reprimanding employees for poor performance may be something all managers do, but today’s great leaders are more than just task managers. The modern business environment has changed, and leadership styles have evolved along with it.

According to experts, younger workers no longer align with yesterday’s one-sided, autocratic management styles. Collaboration, flexibility and empowerment are today’s most valuable leadership qualities, and it’s never been more critical that modern leaders follow suit, especially when looking to enhance productivity and retain employees.

Effective leadership requires empathy, enthusiasm, positivity and exceptional communication. Luckily, these are qualities that may be learned by making several adjustments. From practising a more open communication style to reading leadership books and taking Skillsfuture credit courses, here are 10 tips on how to become a more effective leader at work. 

Analyse Your Leadership Style

Every leader has strengths and weaknesses, so take an introspective look to determine which qualities make you a good leader and which areas need improvement. For instance, when problems at work arise, are you thoughtful and empathetic or critical and overbearing? Knowing yourself is integral to improving your leadership style.

Practise Open Communication

Great leaders are approachable and open to discussing pressing matters. The best way to encourage your followers to approach you is to listen actively to their concerns, understand different communication styles, offer constructive feedback and hold one-on-one meetings when time permits.

Develop a Personal Connection

Do you treat your team members as mere employees or as important contributors to the company’s growth and success? Leaders who know their followers personally and recognise each person’s value are more likely to inspire and motivate them. 

Know your team member’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, personalities, preferences and hobbies, and make sure they know yours too. You can do this by communicating frequently, going beyond the usual “How are you?” and consciously setting aside time to get to know them better at a team lunch or dinner.

Show That You’re Passionate

If you’re not passionate about your work, why should your team feel differently? Great leaders care about their goals and show interest in their team’s projects. Their team members can sense this zeal and feel energised and motivated by it. 

One of the best ways to display passion for your work is to educate your juniors about new developments in your industry. In addition, when someone shares an idea, share it with the rest of the group and thank them for their contributions.

Encourage Collaboration 

By welcoming your team members’ ideas and being open to collaboration, you’re practising a democratic leadership style that encourages better productivity and commitment. 

Additionally, when making an important decision, seek the opinions of your team members and include their input in the decision-making process. While you still have the final say, your group will appreciate being able to play an active role in shaping new plans and ideas. 

Tackle Problems with Positivity

How you handle blunders at work tells of your leadership style. Do you lash out and lose your composure, or do you approach difficulties with positivity? Your reaction to mishaps affects your employees; it may discourage them and make them fearful of you instead of feeling confident about being able to approach you for guidance and more personalised coaching. Staying positive is essential for leaders, especially in the face of challenges.

Read Up and Learn about Leadership

Great leaders are always looking for ways to improve their leadership skills. This includes reading self-help books, attending leadership workshops or conferences or even taking management courses that teach best practices and help you become a more effective leader. 

Another way to improve your leadership skills is to look for a mentor who can provide you with support, advice and guidance. Your mentor can be a professor, a higher-up or a local business owner that you respect and whose leadership style you want to emulate.

Set Clear Goals

Great leaders always ensure their team has clear goals and expectations for its members. Try to encourage staff input while developing your business goals and ensure your followers are an integral part of the process so they can practice accountability. Remember to review your goals periodically and adjust them as necessary. Doing this will show your team members that you are paying attention to what they’re working on.

Motivate 

Benefits and fair compensation are essential to employee satisfaction but these are simply giving workers what they are due. Ensuring your teammates feel encouraged and valued as a member of the group is also an essential factor that contributes to happiness. Some of the best ways to motivate your employees include offering employee rewards, sharing positive feedback and recognising achievements.

Accept Constructive Criticism

If you expect your followers to accept constructive criticism, keep your doors open for comments on your performance as well. Great leaders have people who aren’t afraid to call them out on areas they can improve, but if you haven’t established that rapport with your followers yet, make the first step. Ask them what they like about your leadership style and what you can improve on. 

Conclusion

An effective leader must be dedicated, committed and open to learning. Always remember that successful leadership is not just about hitting KPIs but also about inspiring and encouraging your team members to reach their maximum potential.