The belief that leaders are born is a myth, in fact effective leadership is a learned behavior. Leaders inspire people to see what is possible—and leaders have learned to read behaviors and skills of colleagues which allow them to tap into the potential of their people. By giving people the opportunity to reach their potential, leaders grow and more effectively manage their business—and improve results. Improving leadership also decreases turnover and improves productivity which builds a stronger organization.
Leadership style is the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people. There are several different leadership styles: authoritarian; participative or democratic; delegative or free reign—and most effective leaders incorporate all of these styles. Leadership has been described as the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the support of others in the accomplishment of a common organizational goal or task. Ultimately good leadership is about creating a way for people within an organization to contribute toward making something happen. Leadership is one of the most relevant aspects of the organizational context, but defining leadership has always been challenging. An effective leader will provide for the well-being of their colleagues; provide a social climate so people feel secure; and provide a clear vision in regard to organizational values.
10 Tips Below:
1. Have a clear vision of yourself and others: What are your values and how do you want to influence others?
2. Accentuate the positive; Realize your strengths and build off of them.
3. Be inclusive in your leadership style.
4. Align your morals and values with company values.
5. Create an action plan and set goals.
6. Look at the bright side.
7. Be clear in your communication.
8. Recognize the power of your team.
9. Recognize that ultimately you will make the decision.
10. Model Growth and Continued Education as a theme.
To learn more in-depth tips on effective leadership click here
1. Have a clear vision of yourself and others: What are your values and how do you want to influence others?
Do you have a vision of yourself and how you would like to contribute to your organization? Do you have a plan for how to make your vision a reality? The best leaders are people who are aware of their style. It is important to evaluate the way you lead, so you can define ways to improve to your organization's changing needs. It is very important to take cues from your organization and understand its organizational culture.
2. Accentuate the positive; Realize your strengths and build off of them.
By utilizing your strengths and leveraging your unique skill set, you will set an example for those around you.
3. Be inclusive in your leadership style.
The most effective leaders are people who take into account the opinions of their team. This leader is an active listener who looks beyond the obvious and recognizes the value of each member of their team. If you're having trouble getting your point across—ask questions of your colleagues in order to initiate a dialogue. Instead of asking your team how they feel about something ask for their reactions, thoughts, and observations.
4. Align your morals and values with company values.
A good leader will create choices for colleagues in accordance with the morals and values of their organization. Employees sense integrity and they will respond favorably and productively when strong company values are respected. A good leader will treat a colleague with the same respect and care as they would a client or a customer.
5. Create an action plan and set goals.
Create action items and a clear and concise action plan. It is important to be precise about deadlines and milestones toward identified goals. Be specific in identifying who has committed their time and energy toward goals. Be appreciative, collaborative, and offer your team incentives toward meeting goals.
People are naturally attracted to positive energy—colleagues respect it and it tends to be contagious. By creating an optimistic culture and focusing on solutions you will reward and recognize natural problem solvers on your team.
7. Be clear in your communication.
Effective leadership includes being able to clearly communicate personal company vision and goals. It also includes being open about your skills, intentions, and expectations. To become a skilled communicator it is important to improve verbal, nonverbal, and listening skills—and a strong leader will be able to pick up on any and all three.
8. Recognize the power of your team.
Surround yourself with a powerful team by recognizing and utilizing their strengths and identifying their potential. Motivating others improves group energy and increases the effectiveness and outcomes of projects, goals, and energy for future initiatives.
9. Recognize that ultimately you will make the decision.
While it is critical to listen to the consensus of the team, ultimately you will not get everyone on board. A leader must make the final decision and be equipped to defend that decision. Successful leaders recognize that some decisions do not always end up as planned—and it is important to communicate your weaknesses to your team, learn from mistakes, debrief and move on.
10. Model Growth and Continued Education as a theme.
A great leader will create a culture of continuing education fostering the importance of personal and professional growth. Be receptive to everyone's particular interests and encourage exploration. To learn more in-depth tips on effective leadership click here
Does not apply to courses for college credit.
Employees working in the industries of: manufacturing, healthcare, informational technology, telecommunications, and environmental engineering may be eligible for up to a 50% discount on courses. This grant is offered through a partnership with the Vermont Training Program and the Department of Economic Development. For more details call the Vermont Business Center at 888-222-3413 or 802-656-4033.
