How to Be a Great Leader: Pay Attention to the Little Things
Attention to detail and the ability to see a project as a whole are some of the most required skills in leadership. However, not everyone can have both. In fact, more often than not, leaders need to be visionaries first, in order to see paths no one else can. Their job is to lead the team on this path and think about the small stuff on the way.
But, if you want to really make a difference and become a truly great leader, you must learn to include the little things in your vision. True, it may feel a bit restrictive, but the results are worth the detour. Moreover, it’s crucial to know that not every small detail is important.
Read more: The Qualities of a Good Boss (According to Google)
In an effort to help future high-end leaders, today we will discuss the most important little things to take your leadership skills to the next level and improve communication with team members.
Be Punctual & Involved
It may sound simple enough, but it’s difficult to be on time when there are a ton of things on your shoulders. However, being on time for meetings with the team (online or in-person) is one of those little things that can make a difference.
When you are on time, you set an example for your staff and show that you value their time as well as yours. If the leader is perpetually late, team members may feel their work is not that important, which can lead to missed deadlines and carelessness in their approach.
Additionally, if you want a solid team, you must set an example by being involved in their professional lives. Start the day by asking them how they feel, take note of their weekend plans (when they share them in the office) and ask them about the result, pay attention when an employee goes through a difficult time. In short, keep your relationship professional but friendly.
Make Sure Everyone Has What They Need
People are not always straightforward about their needs, but as a team leader, it’s your job to make sure your staff has all the tools to focus on being productive. Start by making sure there is complete transparency when it comes to payment details (you may want to use a pay stub maker for this), contractual terms, and rights & obligations.
Also, keep your door open for all sorts of discussions and encourage people to come to you if they have a problem or difficulty you can help solve.
Be Realistic & Open
People know when they are being lied to, or when you try to avoid a sensitive topic. Moreover, lies and deception (even when you try to protect your team from harsh truths) create mistrust, which fosters a toxic work environment.
Therefore, try to be as open and realistic as possible with your staff.
For instance, if the company goes through a difficult time, let your people know and don’t hold a grudge if some of them decide to leave. It’s their right to make decisions in their best interest. However, the ones who decide to stay will do so knowing the risks, which means they are loyal and determined to make things better.
The little lies leaders and CEOs tell to protect their employees are usually designed to protect the executives from backlash in case of failure.
Don’t Be a “Boss”
A boss is a person who expects his/her subordinates to do all the work and share the credit. A leader is a person who gets involved in each project and works with the team to get the job done according to specifications.
So, make sure you stay at the same level with your team - bring them coffee from time to time, invite them out for a bite, participate in friendly office banter, and be their colleague. Additionally, allow your people to offer their honest opinion and criticism towards your actions.
In Summary
At the end of the day, leadership success is a complex blend of competencies and constraints, but at the base of it all, you’ll find a desire for self-improvement mixed with the instinct of helping others do the same. A great leader is involved with their team and makes sure everyone has what they need to deliver 100% productivity and determination.
This may interest you: Deconstructing Leaders: What Makes A Good vs Bad Boss
Check out this media powered by Leaderonomics on whether it is better to be love or to be feared as a Leader:
