How to Become a Better Leader
Having strong leaders and a culture that creates leaders is vital to maintain a strong vision, keep activities on track, and motivate people. But what does it take to becoming a leader at work?
Definition of a Leader
A simple definition of a leader is someone who has followers. But being a great leader requires more than people following you, great leaders are admired.
Good Qualities of a Leader
Here are some traits you need to make you a great leader.
Influential
You need to be able to persuade your team that you are working on the right projects for the business to excel.
Emotional intelligence
You need to develop your listening skills and empathise with those you are working with to build relationships and understand where their strengths and weaknesses are.
Storytellers
Being able to tell great stories will make you inspirational and motivational.
Positive and motivational
You need to get the best out of your team and keep their spirits high when work is tough.
Business Understanding
You must have a strong understanding of the business they are leading.
Be a role model
You want people to look up to you, not despise you. This will also assist you when it comes to influencing and motivating your team.
Manage different personalities
This is becoming increasingly important as there is a rise in political conflict in the work place. You need to understand how to prepare for a difficult conversation at work and how to manage conflict.
Articulate a clear vision
You must have strong communication skills and a clear notion of what you deem successful. This will help you drive your team forward.
How to Become a Leader at Work
Now that we have touched upon some key characteristics that make great leaders, here are some steps to take to becoming a leader…
Take responsibility and step up
As a leader you have to own projects, if something goes wrong you have to take responsibility.
Allocate time to understand your team
Listen and connect with your team. Most importantly understand their strengths and weaknesses. Develop emotional intelligence
Develop your organisational skills
You must able to manage multiple different projects and people to be a great leader, this requires organisational skills.
Learn how to have difficult conversations at work
Leaders should not shy away from difficult topics, if there is tension in a team or a project is not going well, leaders need to know how to have a difficult conversation at work to resolve problems.
Enhance your communication skills
It is important to be clear and concise when communicating goals, and specific actions that are required. You cannot do everything yourself, so you must delegate. You need to communicate what exactly needs to be done and when.
Be positive
Practicing gratitude can help you have a positive outlook. You need to motivate yourself and your team to go above and beyond.
Develop your own leadership style
There is debate about how many leadership styles there are. Nevertheless, you should find what works for you and lean into your style.
At Make Happy, we help groups and organizations cultivate creativity, connection, and kindness. Through workshops and training, we create safe environments where productive dialogue can thrive. Using innovative approaches like Lego Serious Play and Creative Problem Solving, we empower teams to have more effective and impactful conversations. Our training covers areas such as navigating difficult discussions, enhancing communication, embracing cognitive diversity, and fostering psychological safety.
We’ve worked with clients worldwide, from global corporations and government agencies to pioneering start-ups and community charities.
Every workshop and training session we deliver is customised to fit the unique needs of you and your team. Learn more about how we can help you with our powerful workshops and training here or reach out to us at hello@makehappy.co.uk.
