A leadership role is always challenging and rewarding. It can be fascinating working to bring out the best in others, but it can also be incredibly challenging and sometimes frustrating.
One minute you feel like you've got everything under control, you and the members of your team have really “clicked” and the work is going well. The next minute, some unforeseen change blows everything off course.
The best leaders learn to adapt to changes, by tweaking their leadership style or even learning a completely new approach.
We all have a preferred style, which may work well in some situations and for some people, but whatever your main style, it won't be right for every eventuality. For example, if you rely on a collaborative leadership style, in which you consult and get buy in from your team, you're not going to find that very useful in a crisis where swift, decisive action is called for.
Directive and supportive behaviours, as explained in Ken Blanchard's “One Minute Manager”, are two different types of team leadership. A good leader will be able to switch between the two, depending on an employee or situation's needs.
Investors in People describes transformational leadership as a style that places emphasis on “culture, employee satisfaction, productivity and success”. But what can you do to ensure you display these leadership qualities? Not only do you need to ensure the business's needs are met but you need to consider the needs of your employees on an individual level.
What can you do to provide the right type of leadership at the right time? Whilst there's no set formula to becoming an effective leader, there are things you can keep in mind on the job. The following tips are just a handful of ways you can implement leadership qualities:
1. Assess your skills
“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy” – Norman Schwarzkopf, Former US Army General
Becoming an effective leader is not a linear process. Throughout your career you'll constantly be refining your leadership style, understanding how others work and taking different approaches to ensure you get the best out of your team.
By regularly assessing yourself you can identify any key areas that need improvement – maybe you need to take more ownership when projects go wrong, or you need to have a courageous conversation with an underperforming employee. Are you ensuring you delegate tasks to the right employees or are you taking on too much of the workload?
Leadership training is one of many ways you can develop your leadership skills. The variety of courses out there cater to even the most niche of developmental skills, meaning there's a solution to absolutely every challenge you face as a leader.
2. Understand your leadership style
“Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people” – Steve Jobs, American Business Magnate
There are many leadership styles out there and understanding which one you fall under can really help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. One quick way to assess yours is to take this leadership style quiz to get an overall idea of how you lead others.
After discovering your leadership style, you should read into the attributes and shortfalls so that you can apply what you've learned to your business. Perhaps your style is too lenient which has caused employees to underperform, or you're too controlling of processes which has decreased morale.
This will arm you with the knowledge to make the necessary changes towards being an effective leader.
3. Set an example
“You don't lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case.” – Ken Kesey, American Novelist
Whilst this might sound simple, it's a trap many leaders can fall for. If your statements about work don't match up with your attitudes, then this can come across hypocritical to your employees.
For example, if you advocate flexible working patterns, but then urge your employees to stay later or come in earlier then this can decrease employee morale.
You want to ensure you're a leader that's respected and looked up to. A transformational leader will follow through on promises and statements and encourage their employees to do the same. Even if you follow through on difficult decisions, your employees will ultimately have more respect for you in the long run.
To become a better leader, focus on realistic expectations that are measurable and feasible. If you have to change strategies, ensure you're backed up with the evidence to explain your choices and follow them through.
4. Listen and communicate
“To lead people, walk behind them” – Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher
Active and passive listening are the two things that can differentiate a good leader from a bad one. Take the time to listen to employees one-on-one – it shows you're focused on their development as well as those within the wider team. A good leader will ask relevant questions, get to the root of any issues and express genuine concern.
Ensure all lines of communication are open so your employees feel comfortable enough to approach you. You should also watch out for non-verbal cues in employees that might indicate they have some issues that need addressing. Developing this awareness can help you catch on to early warning signs and resolve disputes.
5. Empower your employees
People enjoy their jobs more when they feel like they can take their own initiative, but a lack of empowerment can lead to disengaged employees and low business performance. Ensuring opinions and hard work are valued in the business is key to performance, which in turn will lower the risk of employee turnover and lack of morale.
Do you keep your employees accountable for their responsibilities? Do you give credit where credit is due, but equally provide direction when needed after observing lower-than-expected quality of work? This list isn't exhaustive, but these are questions you should be asking yourself when you're leading a team.
6. Expect the unexpected
“The challenge of Leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humour, but without folly.” – Jim Rohn, American Entrepreneur
It's important to be prepared for the worst case scenario. A good leader understands there's more to your employees than their designated job titles. They have lives beyond the workplace, their own dreams, hopes and struggles. Should they decide to walk in one day and hand in their notice, with no prior warning or cues – listen and respect their reasonings.
Keeping yourself composed in times of crisis is a great way to measure your growth as a leader. You can look back and see how you dealt with a difficult situation and come out of the other end unscathed.