Your team can't read your mind. Be concise with what you want done and how you want it done. Also, an open door policy ensures staff members can also voice their concerns and also ask for advice.
When it comes to money, take the long view, if possible. Everyone wants to show quarterly profits, but if you increase short-term earnings by cutting corners on staffing and materials that staff need to get their work done, you and your company will ultimately end up being penny wise and pound foolish.
On most days, be the first in the office and the last out. This is not just about working the most hours. It's about giving your employees the perception of work ethic. If they see you working hard, they'll believe in you as a leader more. And with that comes real trust and a bump in productivity.
All good leaders have to be focused on how things will go in the future. You should face the future, see what might be coming and then plan. You won't always know all the specifics, but do your best. Constantly reevaluate your goals and know where you are headed next.
Don't be overbearing when your subordinates are learning a new process. Instead, ask them how they learn best. You might be surprised to find out that some of your subordinates want direct instruction, while others want to take a more trial-and-error approach to learning. Unless there are specific reasons why accommodating them would be problematic, try to allow for both types of learning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm1I3mjDFvA
Be a good example for your team. Just like the parents of a family, you are who your team looks up to in your organization. Do not talk negatively about the company you work for or your bosses to your team. It sets a horrible example and may come back to haunt you.
Learn good delegation skills to master or compensate for your personal weaknesses. No one is perfect, so you know you have them. Leadership isn't about being the running back that scores every touchdown. Rather, it's about being the quarterback, who always knows who is right in each play to carry the ball.
Maintain a positive attitude. As the leader, you set the tone for your business. You need to make sure that the tone you set is one of possibilities, positivity and patience. Always encourage those under you to think in terms of the solution and not the problem, so that they too can keep an air of positivity as they go about their work.
Have a vision. Planning for the future is important. Things might be great now, but will it still be a year from now? What about ten years from now? Try to keep abreast of any change that might be relevant to your business. Shape your plans and your vision accordingly.
Communicating with your team is paramount. Ensure they understand which direction they should go in, and that they know about changes of plans. Failing to communicate is pretty counterproductive to the team goals. It also makes you lose control of the team.
Employees expect and desire excellent communication from leaders. Listening is the best method of improving your communication skills. Don't ignore an employee or have them think you aren't listening to them. Be sure you listen to all complaints and suggestions.
Becoming an effective leader helps you to take charge of your life, at work and at home. Many experts before you have mastered the art of leadership, and you can learn from their tips and techniques. Applying the information you have learned here can help you to develop into an admired leader.
