Being an effective leader is not only about issuing commands or meeting deadlines. It’s actually about motivating your team to give a shit, about whatever it is they do. So what is it that these leaders have done differently? This article will parse this into the little things that you can do to make a real difference.
Lead by Doing
Great leaders do not just talk about what should be done—they lead by example. If you want your team to be committed and honest, you need to behave that way as well. When others see you put in the effort and continue at it, they will often do the same.
It’s not about being perfect, but demonstrating that you’re in it with them. When leaders demonstrate the values in their own behavior, trust is created.
Keep Communication Real
Good leaders talk clearly. Great leaders also listen. They make room for people to exchange their thoughts, to share their ideas and even concerns. It’s not just giving an order—it is making people feel heard.
When there are channels of communication in both directions, there is less confusion and more trust. People know that they can say something end without being judged. It’s that kind of openness that enables all of us to work better together.
Notice the Little Things
You don’t need a major accomplishment to express gratitude. Successful leaders take notice of daily efforts including the small stuff. A “nice one” or a short shout or two can really help to keep us motivated.
It shows you care. All people seek the hope that their work will really be meaningful to them, and when that hope exists, they tend to remain focused and loyal. Recognition, in any form—be it a note, a coffee or simply respectful words—can go a long way toward making someone’s day.
Support Growth
Not only do they care about the next deadline—they think about each person’s destiny as well. Whether it’s giving a new challenge to someone, suggesting a training course or offering mentorship all of them are always willing to help others do better.
That’s not to say it isn’t about pushing people really hard. It’s an act of showing you believe in their potential. And who knows? What else happens when people feel like they’re growing is they tend to stay more engaged and excited about their work.
Care About People
Empathy may sound soft, but it’s one of the most powerful tools a leader possesses. Knowing what’s happening to somebody else is a huge difference.
When leaders demonstrate empathy, it makes for a safe space. People want to feel they’re not only a job title; that they’re also human. And there, trust deepens.
Share the Bigger Picture
People don’t want to feel as if they’re only checking off boxes. They want to understand the “why” of the work. Great leaders make that clear. They discuss plans for where the team is going and how each person’s role contributes to that bigger picture.
A vision gives people something to shoot for. It elevates the mundane and makes the everyday seem a little more significant.
The Kind of Leadership That Sticks
At the end of the day, true leadership is not about where you sit on the organizational chart or how much power you have. It’s about the way you treat others and the way you make them feel.
Exceptional leaders are more concerned with forming relationships than they are with asserting control. While they may not always get it right, they are always there to try. It is this investment that people remember.
